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PALMDALE – A Palmdale mother of six who tested positive for COVID-19 is on life support, and her children have all tested positive for the virus, prompting relatives to ask for donations to help cover the family’s expenses.
Brenda Martinez, 43, has been hospitalized for a week and in critical condition for the past three days, her sister-in-law Crystal Acosta Torres told City News Service on Monday afternoon.
Family members said Martinez, who has underlying health conditions, tested positive for COVID-19 and was initially isolating at home before she had trouble breathing and went to a hospital.
With the mother unable to care for her six children — ages 2 to 19 years old — Acosta Torres said she set up an online fundraiser on behalf of her oldest nephew, Juan Jose “JJ” Martinez, so that the teenager can cover basic expenses for the younger siblings he’s caring for at home.
All six children, including JJ Martinez, have tested positive for the virus and are in isolation, with some experiencing minor symptoms, their aunt said. All have been unable to visit their nonresponsive mother in the hospital, although they were able to see her on a videoconference call.
The siblings, whose father is unable to help, need financial support for basic necessities, their aunt said.
“They need to pay their rent for this month and their bills for food and stuff. It’s for the kids because they don’t have anyone,” Acosta Torres said, noting that she and other family members have been dropping off supplies to the family’s home and trying to help however they can.
Since setting up the fundraising page, more than $3,000 [as of 8/24] has been gifted to the family from various donors, and the sister-in-law said her nephew has been grateful for what’s come in so far.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone. My nephew is grateful because this is a lot while he’s making these decisions for his mom and taking care of his siblings while she continues to fight for her life,” Acosta Torres said. “It’s hard for the family, and we want to thank everyone for helping where they can. Our family truly appreciates everyone who has donated for my nieces and nephews. Thank you to everyone who has shared our post and thank you for all your prayers. Our family definitely feels the love and support.”
To contribute, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/z89bg-martinez-family.
Rebecca Lucille Lowe says
Yes I agree ! Your probably the one calling me names I never knew one person could have so much hate in them that they actually destroy and break up families. How can you look at your self in the mirror knowing what you did! This lady is deceased and your svtill talking [removed] on her! You are a cruel person and you are the o e that was sent here to release Satan and take his place. I have seen pictures of the new Satan and he has boo boos
Rafae says
LA VERDAD NO TENGO PALABRAS PARA DESCRIBIR ESE DOLOR TAN GRANDE AL CUAL SE ESTAN ENFRENTANDO ESTOS HERMOSOS KIDS YO LOS CONOSCO Y MUY BIEN Y MEDA MUCHISIMA TRISTESA SIENTO UN NUDO EN MI GARGANTA SOLO DE IMAGINARME POR LO DOLOROSO QUE ES PARA LOS MAS GRANDES BRENDA FUE UNA MUY BUENA AMIGA Y SUS HIJOS SIEMPRE SE LLEVARON BIEN CON MIS HIJOS LA VERDAD JUAN J. NO TENGO PALABRAS QUE PUEDAN TRAERTE FORTALESA PERO TE CONOSCO MUY BIEN ERES UN JOVENSITO MUY FUERTE Y VALIENTE Y SE QUE TU MOM ESTARA BIEN ORGUYOSA DE TI VERTE LO QUE ASES POR TUS HERMANOS LA VERDAD YO ESTOY MUY ORGULLOSO DETI DE VER CON QUE AMOR Y CARIÑO TRATAS ATUS HERMANOS Y LA VERDAD ANIMO NO ES NADA FASIL ATRAVESAR POR ESTO PERO TIENES QUE SER FUERTE Y VALIENTE NOSOTROS TE NESESITAMOS TUS HERMANOS TE NESESITAN DIOS TE VA BENDESIR DE MUCHAS MANERAS
Google Translator says
Translation:
THE TRUTH I DON’T HAVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE THAT BIG PAIN TO WHICH THESE BEAUTIFUL KIDS ARE FACING I KNOW THEM AND VERY WELL AND MEAN VERY SAD I FEEL A KNOT IN MY THROAT JUST IMAGINING FOR HOW PAINFUL A BRAND IS FOR THE GREATEST VERY GOOD FRIEND AND HER CHILDREN ALWAYS GOT WELL WITH MY CHILDREN THE TRUTH JUAN J. I DO NOT HAVE WORDS THAT CAN BRING YOU FORTALESA BUT I KNOW YOU VERY WELL YOU ARE A VERY STRONG AND COURAGEOUS YOUNG PEOPLE AND I KNOW THAT YOUR MOM WILL BE GOOD ABOUT YOU. ASES FOR YOUR BROTHERS THE TRUTH I AM VERY PROUD DETI TO SEE WITH WHAT LOVE AND AFFECTION YOU TREAT YOUR BROTHERS AND THE TRUTH CHEERNESS IS NOTHING FASIL TO GO THROUGH THIS BUT YOU HAVE TO BE STRONG AND BRAVE WE NEED YOU GOD WE WILL BLESS YOU OF MANY WAYS
D says
If this is a joke then where is my uncle my aunt and my cousin and great grandma COVID is no joke this sucks
Mind your own business says
Hey Diana, if you stop focusing on other people’s life you’ll have more time to fix your own life. It’s none of your business how many children Brenda had. It was her life, her choices, her lessons… Not your business!
Idoit says
John your sick, and cruel. Don’t judge people. She just passed away.
Lily says
Hoping the money given by choice will help this devastated family. Strength to the nephew taking on the challenge of caring for his siblings. We live in an unforgiving society, yet there are still good people showing compassion toward others without passing judgment.
Mrs M says
Brenda Martinez passed away tonight at 930pm. Very sad for her kids.
Trump*2020 says
COVID is a hoax. The president says so. This is fake news.
Pittie mom says
I would like to know if they have pets as well..can help with food for them as well
Your a bully says
Get out of here with your stupid, and childish sarcasm. Brenda passed away. Her family is grieving, and your sarcasm only causes more heartache.