A 36-year-old mother of three in Independence is fighting Stage 3 stomach cancer with the help of her family, community and faith.
Pilar Gonzalez said she's not scared of dying, but is embracing a new way of living as she relies on God.
“I can't be afraid,” said Gonzalez, “because He's with me!”
Gonzalez was diagnosed with Stage 3 stomach cancer on January 2. On Friday, she underwent her first round of chemotherapy. Doctors hope chemo and surgery will work, but Gonzalez said she can't dwell on what will happen if it didn’t.
“I’m just worried about being the best child of God, the best mother, and the best wife,” said Gonzalez.
On Friday night, Gonzalez’s kids, 13-year-old Javier Jr., 8-year-old Koraima and 3-year-old Perlita, surprised their mom with a box of cash they’d earned selling rubber bracelets etched with words like ‘fighter,’ in front of their school.
“I want my mom to be healthy,” said Javier.
“She's a helpful mom,” Koraima added. "A great mom, a wonderful mom.”
Loved ones say Gonzalez has always put others before herself. Even through her illness, she was continuing to teach kindergarten at Grant Community School in Salem.
When their own kids were younger, Gonzalez and her husband, Javier, fostered five additional kids for three years, so that the siblings wouldn’t have to be separated.
It’s that sense of selflessness that led loved ones open a GoFundMe account for Gonzalez, to help pay for medical expenses her insurance won't cover.
In addition, several local Zumba studios have planned a fundraiser for Gonzalez, and the Monmouth Dairy Queen will donate 10 percent of its sales on Jan. 31, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., to Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said she has been overwhelmed by the financial support, but is most grateful for the prayers, hugs and encouragement.
“Every time I've needed something because I'm feeling down, somebody reaches out,” she said, through tears. “My spirits are lifted and that's really going to help me in this battle that I'm going through.”