Monica Cervantes Ramiro
2004 Community Hero
Like a lot of babies her age, Monica loves to take naps, listen to music, watch everything that moves, and receive lots and lots of warm hugs and kisses. Where Monica differs is that she was born without a whole heart and with her stomach twisted around her intestines.
At just six months of age, little Monica is no stranger to hospitals, daunting treatments and constant medical monitoring. After suffering a heart attack, she has already undergone one cardiac surgery and still faces more surgical procedures to help correct her condition.
Through all of this, says her mother, Monica has never stopped fighting hard for her life. Today, she continues to heal and grow. The courage and resilience Monica possesses at such a young age remain a profound source of inspiration for her parents, her two sisters and her brother. According to them, “We are all better people because of Monica.”
