Just as she is feeling more adjusted, she is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness that devastates her family. Children with similar diagnoses rarely survived, and those who did were severely disabled. The family and community come together to pray and hope for the best. It is Holy Week, the most solemn week in the Catholic Church, and the family prays for the miracle of life.
Her story highlights the differences between rural Mexico and San Diego, both in culture and in the medical establishment of the time. She acknowledges extremely important physicians in San Diego county, such as Dr. Eli Meltzer, Dr. James Kemp, and Dr. Bradley Peterson; all who have contributed tremendously to today medical practice. It is her faith and that of her family's that keeps everyone going during their toughest times. Marcela opens up about Catholicism, mysticism and belief in one God. She emphasizes that, as a community, people can overcome tragedy and hardship by working together.