My first friend, Mario

Can you remember your first friend? Can you remember his/her name and remember what made them your friend? I can. My name is Natalia and I would like to tell you about my first friend, Mario.

Mario and I were pretty much inseparable when we were growing up. Every memory, from my very first, to about six or seven years old, includes Mario. We were only one year apart, but for some reason that made Mario infinitely wiser than I was and as such, I always followed his lead. 

One of my favorite memories of Mario is when we were little and the neighborhood kids were at my house. We were running from the front yard to the back yard. A boy yelled out “last one to the backyard is a rotten egg!” Mario saw that I was trailing behind, so he slowed down and yelled, “first one to the backyard is a rotten egg!” He saved me from the humiliating rotten egg status because we were buds, and buds don’t let friends become rotten eggs. For a long time Mario was always ready to save me from humiliation, protect me whenever he could, and be there to help me out. It has always been easy to keep in touch with Mario because you see, Mario isn’t only my friend, he’s my brother as well. 

In many ways Mario is still the same. He is always trying to protect his family and is always willing to help out in any way he can. Mario is now 28 and married to a beautiful and intelligent woman named Kassidy. They have the sweetest and cutest son named Gabriel, who just turned two in November. 

Unfortunately, Mario was recently diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma (stomach cancer). He began chemotherapy on November 11 and has embarked on the fight of his life. If anyone has the capability of overcoming something, it’s Mario. If you know Mario, then you know that he’s a fighter and can face anything he has to. He has the added benefit of a strong network of friends and family, and together, we’re most definitely a force to be reckoned with. 

As I am sure you already know, treating cancer is an exorbitant expense. Mario has been the sole provider for his family, but between not being able to work and the stacking medical bills, it has become financially difficult for them.

This is why I would like to call upon your help to make a donation. Doing so, will provide much-needed financial relief by assisting Mario and his family cover their increasing medical expenses. Any possible donation you could make would be truly invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Please keep Mario and his family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Much love, 

Natalia Merino Green