ABOUT ME
Let me introduce my self to those who don’t already know me. My name is Angelica Contreras and I am 19 years old. As you know I love “Elvis”, I love white tigers and frogs, my favorite food is PIZZA When I was little my favorite things to watch on TV were Teen Age Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Jungle Book, and Power Rangers! Now I love to watch Friends and One Tree Hill. I am the first grandchild on my mom’s side and the first great-grandchild on Grandma and Grandpa Contreras’s side.
I have two sisters Brandy 7, and Vanessa 3. As you can tell I am the oldest (this is something my mom and I have in common). Vanessa is my adopted sister, so thankfully she is safe from this awful disease. Brandy is my sister from my dad and she lives with her mom and unfortunately she is fighting Juvenile Huntington’s as well. I pray for her every day because I am sure it is a lot harder on her as she is so much younger and dealing with this disease. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers if you don’t mind, it would mean a lot to me.
As you may know I have been diagnosed with Juvenile Huntington’s Disease. There is no cure or any type of medication that I can take to slow the progression of this disease. I am frightened every day of what is yet to come, of what this is doing to my mom, and what this disease is doing to my dad and sister (yes my dad has this awful disease too, pray for him, please).
I graduated high school in May 2006. When I started high school I thought I would be going to college (I wanted to be a nurse) and starting my adult life and now that has all changed. What can I do? I choose to go on and live my life day by day. I am taking water aerobics to strengthen my muscles, eating what I can by mouth. (I had a feeding tube put in September 2006) I do exercises at home that will help with balance and muscle strength, continuing to walk & talk as much as possible. (this is difficult most of the time, please pray for my strength and ability to continue to do this) I also stay involved in my Life-Teen program at my church and trust in God.
I have lots of things I like to do; reading is one of my favorite things I like to do to pass time. I listen to music, watch TV, play with my sister and cousins, I love to swim, I like to sit with my mom, and I love to smile. Those of you who know me know that smiling is like my trademark, I am always smiling. Even when I don’t realize it, I’m smiling. I think that it’s because I trust God is with me. When I am afraid He helps me get through the day. I once told my mom I am not ready to leave you and my sisters and she said “then don’t, talk to God you know how”. Since then I know all I have to do is ask and trust and it will be.
Some of you know that on July 14 2007 I was at Elvis Presley’s “Graceland” mansion. What a beautiful, peaceful, amazing place this was!! I had the time of my life, better than going to Disneyland for meJ Thank you all for helping me get there, I thought about each and everyone of you while I was there. I feel so blessed to have been given this gift!
So what is in my future? Now more then ever, I want to share my story and educate as many people as I can about Huntington’s Disease. Now that my dream has come true I have a new goal about raising money for the Arizona Chapter of Huntington’s Disease. In addition, I am hoping to find a volunteer program that will suit my physical limitations. And, this year I’m officially a CORE member of the Life Teen program and I will be sharing my faith with all members at my church family St. Jerome’s.
Thank you all for being so generous and taking me under your wing. I will continue to update you on how well I am doing, just remember, you are helping me live by keeping me with you in your thoughts and prayers!!! Please buy and wear my t-shirts and CARE2CURE bracelets to remember to pray for me every day. Please pray for my mom too, I want her faith to grow even though I am so sick and I know that is very difficult to do.
Most import I believe with all my heart that I’m going to LIVE, in the name of Jesus I’m going to LIVE!!
Will you please pray with me…….
Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Apostle's Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven,
sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Act of Charity
O MY GOD, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen
"We know what the medical field is saying about Angelica’s condition. But, we are going to our higher source for her needs. We know with our God and Savior anything is possible. We are asking God for “A Miracle For Angelica”! The power of prayer is amazing! The prayers the family is asking for is: Comfort and a complete restoration of good health for Angelica. In addition, that the family will be blessed with donations to exceed the goal to meet Angelica’s life dream.
There is an old saying; “It takes a village to raise a child”. So, we are asking our village to help raise up Angelica.
Thank you and God Bless
The Contreras Family