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In 2018 I had the honor of meeting Maria Fonte as she came to interview for a teaching position in the small preschool where I worked at the time. Her passionate, blunt personality made for an instant connection. I have always been impressed with her professionalism towards the families in her care. She somehow managed to maintain discipline while showering her students with love.
Five years after our first encounter, I found myself accompanying Maria to a doctor’s appointment. She had expressed some mild nervousness about the upcoming appointment. Naively I reassured her that there was probably nothing of concern. It was at that appointment that she received the devastating news that she has cancer. After an emergency hysterectomy, pathology reports confirmed that she has a rare form of uterine cancer. Maria had to miss 3 weeks of work to recover from her hysterectomy and now will embark on numerous doctor appointments along with radiation and chemotherapy (all resulting in unpaid work absences).
All of this is taking place for her during a necessary housing move which has added to her growing expenses. As we all know the economy is tough and those of us living in Miami know that housing prices have skyrocketed.
Our hope and prayer is to alleviate some of the financial burden Maria will encounter once she begins her cancer treatments. “Ms. Maria,” as she’s affectionately called, has selflessly served her community by being a preschool teacher for the past 38 years. She has made a positive impact on students and families at schools such as Plymouth Preschool, Christ Congregational Preschool, KLA Preschool, and currently at Kendall United Methodist Church Preschool. Maria is a single parent who successfully raised two girls, one of whom is currently at FSU. She is a fiercely loyal friend and employee. Her enthusiasm for children and justice is palatable. Maria is passionate about spreading awareness for uterine cancer. If anyone else needed help, she would likely be one of the first to jump to aide.
I humbly ask you to please find it in your heart to help Maria face the astounding and heartbreaking battle of cancer with slightly less financial worries. All funding will go towards medical bills, moving expenses, and to fill the gap from lost pay. No amount is too small!
If you want to join in supporting Maria Fonte in her battle against cancer, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-maria-crush-cancer
