Angelica Monique Varela Contreras
July 14, 1988 - November 14, 2008
11/17/08
Funeral Arrangements:
Visitation: November 19, 2008
5:00 pm until 9:00 pm
Rosary at 7:00 pm
Funeral Mass: November 20, 2008
11:00 am
Both will be held at:
St. Jerome Catholic Church
10815 N. 35th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85029
602-942-5555
(Cross streets are 35th Avenue and one block north of Peoria….East side of 35th avenue)
11/14/ 2008 8:50 pm
We have just learned that Angelica has left us and is now with the Lord. Please pray for her soul. We will be updating this page with information as we know more.
UPDATE 11/11/08
Our sweet Angelica is at Hospice
Angelica went to Hospice Saturday, November 8th 2008. The muscles over her entire body had started seizing (tightening up) and causing her great pain. Angelica is now on medication to keep her body relaxed and comfortable.
Angelica has been so brave and strong throughout this entire illness and she has encouraged thousands.
Angelica’s LOVE for life has inspired so many people and her story will continue to do so for many years to come.
Something profound that Angelica has taught us all is to; LOVE, LIVE and SMILE and God will take care of the rest!
Please go to Angelica prayer page and leave a prayer for Angelica and her family. Also, please share how Angelica has touched your life.
Thank you all for the unconditional love and support you have given to Angelica and her entire family.
We LOVE you Angelica, PEACE be with you baby….
Hospice Center
340 E. Coronado Rm. #6
Phoenix, AZ
602-258-9356
My name is Angelica Contreras, I am 20 years old, (20 yrs in July 08), and I have Juvenile Huntington’s Disease. It’s a terminal disease with no cure.
Just two years ago, I graduated from high School and I was looking forward to going to college just like many young girls my age. However my world completely change on April 4th, 2007 when my doctor told me and my family that I have less than a year to live.
Everyone, look at your calendars!I have started my journey into my SECOND year!
Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages and has prayed for my strength, faith and hope for my family. I read those prayers on a regular basis and they TRULY help encourage me to continue to fight each day. Please continue to leave prayers on my prayer page. I have a New prayer goal of 2500. Tell all your friends!
Angelica and Family with Bishop Olmsted at Rosary Sunday, October 27, 2007
Teenager fights Huntington’s disease with faith
Photo: The Catholic Sun
By Claudia I. Provencio, The Catholic Sun
July 5, 2007
Even though Angelica Contreras is slowly losing control of her body, the 18-year-old is rarely seen without her trademark smile.Angelica, a St. Jerome parishioner, is living with Juvenile Huntington’s Disease, a hereditary and degenerative brain disorder that will eventually render her unable to walk, talk or reason. <read full article>
Here is a clip from my interview with Channel 12 News on Thursday June 28th:
What is Juvenile Huntington Disease?
Juvenile Huntington's Disease (JHD) refers to anyone who develops signs or symptoms of HD before they are 20 years old. It is a relatively rare condition and only about 5% of people affected with HD will develop symptoms this young. This can make it quite an isolating experience for the person affected by HD, their family, and any professionals that are helping them.
Articles on Huntington's:
Huntington's Disease: Hope Through Research
Scientists Identify Potential New Treatment for Huntington's Disease