Building a family legacy

My journey with St. Jude began with a simple invitation from a dear friend, who has since passed away. 

I had just returned to Miami after college, looking for a way to get involved in something meaningful. My friend told me, “You should come to this event. St. Jude is starting a young professionals group here.” I went, and that one night changed everything. I fell in love with the mission, the people and the purpose. Fourteen years later, I’m still here — still showing up, still giving back. 

Philanthropy has always been part of my life. I come from a third-generation Cuban immigrant family, and we were able to survive with the help of people who came earlier and persevered to support others. So, giving is in our DNA. My grandmother is one of those people who still writes a check every month and sends it to St. Jude by mail. My mom got us involved in charity from a very young age. She's always been involved in the local community, which inspired a love in my family — and especially in my sisters — for giving back.

When I found St. Jude, it felt like everything came full circle.

One of my favorite things about St. Jude is how they care for the whole family — not just the patient. I’ve visited the hospital and seen it firsthand. They know every family member’s name. They make sure the kids have the food that they like, their favorite cartoon characters on their bed sheets. They provide meals, mental health support and comfort in ways that go far beyond medicine. That kind of holistic care is what makes St. Jude feel like home.

As the Chair of Friends of St. Jude Miami Executive Committee, I’ve helped grow our young professionals annual gala to a 400-person event filled with music, energy and purpose. We create spaces where young people can connect, give back and fall in love with the mission, just like I did. I know that for many young professionals, giving can feel out of reach at first. You’re just starting your career, maybe you don’t have much to give. But even small acts of generosity can change lives. That’s something I’ve learned from my own community — especially as a Latina. 

Legacy is something we often think about later in life, but I believe it starts now. My family’s business is a third-generation Hispanic-owned company, so legacy is something we talk about often. You don’t have to wait to make an impact. You start by showing up, by giving what you can.

People sometimes ask me, “Why support St. Jude when there are local children’s hospitals in Miami?” But St. Jude isn’t just in Memphis — it’s everywhere. Their research, their breakthroughs, their global outreach — it all benefits children around the world. They share their discoveries, giving hope to families who might otherwise have none. 

Looking ahead, I hope to continue supporting St. Jude in every way I can. And I hope that through my work, I’ve helped plant seeds that will grow into something lasting, like the founder of St. Jude, Danny Thomas.

For me, supporting this mission is not just an honor — it’s a deeply fulfilling experience. There’s no greater legacy than knowing you’ve helped others and made a positive impact on their lives.