After learning her cancer is now terminal, 14-year-old Dariella Foster is preparing to celebrate her quinceañera with her twin sister thanks to strangers.
SAN ANTONIO — What started as a Facebook post from a San Antonio mother has turned into an outpouring of support from strangers.
On Friday, Damaris Gonzalez asked a Facebook group if she could borrow two quinceañera dresses for her twin daughters, who turn 15 next month.
One of the girls, Dariella Foster, has been battling bone cancer for about a year. Last week, the family learned her illness is now considered terminal.
Gonzalez said her plan was simply to take photos of her daughters, since she could not afford a party.
“Just to make the memories with her because we don’t know how long she will have,” Gonzalez said.
But what happened next was unexpected for the entire family.
“I’m excited and nervous,” Dariella said.
The post has been shared more than 3,000 times and has drawn nearly as many comments. Strangers have donated money, and businesses have offered free services. Many insisted the girls should not only have photos, but a full quinceañera celebration.
“From dresses to photos, now we’re planning a quinceañera for them,” Gonzalez said.
The date is set, and a venue is booked for next month. The family is still searching for the girls’ dream dresses, which they now have the means to purchase. Dariella said she is excited to make those memories with her twin sister, Daniella.
“We try to keep our spirits up, but deep down inside its heavy on my chest,” Gonzalez said. “With all this positivity coming from everybody, it’s helping me cope right now.”
Doctors told the family that Dariella has only months, if not weeks, to live. She is expected to begin oral chemotherapy soon. If the treatment is successful, it could give her several more years.
“I tell her every day, you’re the strongest person I know,” Gonzalez said.
The family has also started a GoFundMe page for those who want to help.