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About Us

The Sanchez Family

Faith, Hope, and Smiles From Heaven

Smiles From Heaven was founded in faith, resilience, and a calling to support families facing childhood cancer. After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of our beloved Bella, we found purpose in sharing God’s love by providing emotional, spiritual, and financial support to those in need.

Since 2019, we have stood with families, ensuring no one fights alone. Inspired by Bella’s unwavering trust in God, her joy, and her kindness, we continue her legacy—bringing hope, lifting spirits, and reminding every child that they are never alone in their journey.

With God’s grace, together, we can make a difference—one smile at a time.

"As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24: 15

Smiles From Heaven Board of Directors

Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
Our hearts were already set on Heaven before Bella went there.
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Smiles From Heaven Team

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Fight Like a Kid Team

Jonathan Tello

Administrative Assistant

Samantha Hernandez

Program Operations Lead

Michelle Maldonado

Outreach Coordinator

Karla Ortiz

Steering Committee Member

Ben Bondoc

Steering Committee Member

Erick Garza

Steering Committee Member

Nancy Lozano

Steering Committee Member

Kiana Rendon

PLE

Yaneli Ortiz

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Mariela P. De Iracheta

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Elvira Rendon

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    Bella’s Story

    “Our Bella is with Jesus and – through His Spirit – Jesus is in us, so there is a direct connection between Bella and us. Until we see Bella in Heaven, we are connected with her through the Holy Spirit.”

    December 2016
    Bella Serena Sanchez

    Bellaboo, as we would call her, came into the world on a chilly December day, healthy and flawless. She was the youngest and only girl in the family, and she filled their lives with so much happiness.

    Diagnosis Day

    On August 17, 2017, at just 7 months old, Bella's parents rushed her to their local emergency hospital in Laredo, TX, suspecting dehydration and a common cold. After several tests and bloodwork, the emergency room doctor informed the parents that Bella needed to be transferred to a specialized pediatric oncology hospital in San Antonio, TX, immediately. Upon their arrival at Methodist Children's Hospital, the pediatric oncology specialists confirmed the diagnosis and delivered the heartbreaking news to Bella's parents: their daughter had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

    Treatment
    Bella underwent an inpatient treatment that lasted approximately 9 months, encompassing multiple cycles of chemotherapy, lumbar puncture procedures, blood transfusions, and numerous other medications. She spent the majority of her holidays at the hospital, including her first and second birthdays. During this time, Bella took her first steps, learned new words, and mastered everything expected of a toddler in a hospital setting. Methodist Children's Hospital served as her sanctuary, and the nurses and medical staff quickly became like family to her. Hospital life became Bella's new normal.
    Happy Day
    Bella's chemotherapy treatment was successful, as bone marrow biopsies revealed no signs of leukemia. She was then considered to be in remission and was able to return home.
    Sad Day
    After five months of enjoying her life at home, undergoing treatment, and attending weekly visits with her oncologist for check-ups, the parents once again received heartbreaking news: the leukemia had returned. This time, the treatment protocol included chemotherapy, and Bella now needed a bone marrow transplant.
    The Waiting
    Bella's medical team consulted the national bone marrow registry to search for a suitable donor match. After an extensive search, they identified five potential donors. Bella underwent intensive treatment to prepare her for the transplant. Unfortunately, she never went into remission, which meant that a bone marrow transplant was not possible.
    Car-T Therapy
    Unfortunately, the leukemia kept recurring, with relapses following one another. There was nothing more that the doctors at Methodist could offer her. We reached out to several hospitals across Texas and even in Tennessee. Bella ultimately ended up going to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX, to try the last available treatment option.
    March 22, 2019
    Bella coded two days after her arrival at Texas Children's Hospital. The medical staff successfully resuscitated her and managed to stabilize her condition. Following this, she was moved to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), where she received intensive sedation. During this period, medical professionals addressed several infections she contracted and attempted to gather cells for the original treatment Bella was undergoing.
    April 5, 2019
    Two weeks later, the parents received the devastating news that the cells collected were insufficient. The leukemia had progressed significantly, becoming more aggressive, to the point where Bella's organs began to fail.
    April 8, 2019
    Bella was airlifted back "home". The parents made the decision to return her to Methodist to spend her remaining moments close to family.
    April 9, 2019
    The gates of Heaven opened, and beautiful Bella stepped into the kingdom of God. She had gained her angel wings at the age of two.
    Despite enduring pain and suffering, Bella never gave up. Throughout her battle, she consistently maintained her big smile, embodying the affectionate, ambitious, and joyful nature of a little girl. She was always spreading love and kindness to everyone around her. Bella has been an inspiration to many, teaching us the true definition of faith in Christ.
    Co-Founder Executive Director

    Ray Sanchez

    Ray Sanchez is a U.S. Combat Veteran, a devoted husband, and a father of four—one of whom now resides in Heaven. After losing his two-year-old daughter, Bella Serene Sanchez, to pediatric cancer, Ray’s life was forever changed. In the face of unimaginable loss, he found a calling—to turn his pain into purpose. This calling led him to co-found Smiles From Heaven, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer and blood disorders in Webb County.
    With a background in leadership roles within the military and Fortune 500 companies, as well as experience as a small business owner, Ray brings a wealth of expertise, discipline, and vision to the organization. Under his leadership, Smiles From Heaven has grown into a beacon of hope, ensuring that no family faces this battle alone.
    For the past five years, Ray has relentlessly pursued the mission of bringing faith, love, and support to families in their darkest moments. His unwavering dedication and leadership continue to expand the reach of Smiles From Heaven, making a lasting impact on countless lives. Bella’s legacy lives on through this mission, reminding us all that even in loss, there is light—and through faith, there is hope.

    SFH Co-Founder, President

    Fight Like a Kid Program Director

    Betsy Sanchez

    Betsy Sanchez is the President of the Board of Smiles From Heaven and the Fight Like a Kid Program Director, dedicated to advocating for children and families in Webb County affected by pediatric cancer and blood disorders.
    As a leader and mother who has faced unimaginable loss, Betsy has turned her grief into a mission of hope. After losing her two-year-old daughter, Bella Serena Sanchez, to leukemia, she transformed her pain into purpose, ensuring that no family walks this journey alone.
    Bringing extensive nonprofit experience and leadership, Betsy is spearheading efforts alongside the Fight Like a Kid Team and Smiles From Heaven to increase support for families impacted by pediatric cancer and blood disorders from 45% to 74% by 2027. This initiative will provide essential resources and improve the quality of life for families identified through oncologist referrals, hospitals, social workers, peer support, and school counselors.
    With a holistic, faith-driven approach, Betsy and her team empower those with lived experiences to become leaders, fostering spaces where families can access support, nurture their social and spiritual well-being, and advocate for health equity in medically underserved communities.
    Betsy’s unwavering strength, love, and dedication reflect God’s love in action. Her work continues to make a profound difference in the lives of countless families.

    Secretary

    Yajaida Osoria, MSN, FNP-C

    Yajaida Osoria, FNP-C, is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive clinical experience in internal medicine and urgent care. She is known for her commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based care and her passion for health education.
    Her professional background includes guiding families through both acute and chronic medical journeys, offering not only clinical support but emotional care and understanding. Yajaida’s deep compassion for children and families, particularly those affected by pediatric cancer and blood disorders, aligns closely with the mission of Smiles From Heaven.
    As a board member, she brings valuable healthcare insight, advocacy, and heart to the organization’s efforts in serving children and families across the community.

    Treasurer

    Ray Charles, Au.D.

    Dr. Ray Charles, Au.D., is a dedicated Audiologist in Laredo, Texas, who also serves as a Laredo Firefighter/Paramedic. As the newly appointed Treasurer and a committed Board Member of Smiles From Heaven, he plays a vital role in supporting children and families facing childhood cancer.
    A close friend of the Sanchez family, Dr. Charles has been involved from the beginning, visiting Bella during her initial hospitalization and actively organizing fundraisers for her medical care. His professional work focuses on providing hearing healthcare to the South Texas community, including children experiencing hearing loss due to chemotherapy treatments.
    As a Board Member, Dr. Charles is honored to contribute his time and expertise, working alongside a dedicated team to bring hope, faith, and support to families in their fight against childhood cancer.

    MSN, APRN, FNP-C

    Courtney Mokry

    Courtney is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner with Methodist Physicians | Pediatric Specialists of Texas in San Antonio and previously served as a pediatric hematology/oncology inpatient nurse at Methodist Children’s Hospital, where she cared for children and families, including our own Bella.

    Courtney brings clinical insight, a deep understanding of the pediatric cancer and blood disorder journey, and a commitment to family-centered care that will help strengthen our programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts. Her perspective will be especially valuable as we continue working to improve access, support, and outcomes for families across South Texas.

    We are grateful to have her voice, experience, and heart at our table.

    Leticia Mondragon

    Leticia’s Bio – Leticia Maria Mondragon was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she continues to live and serve her community. She currently works with NMDP (formerly Be The Match) as the Account Manager for South and Central Texas, supporting families across Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and surrounding areas. Through her work, Leticia builds meaningful, one-on-one relationships with blood cancer patients and families as they search for a life-saving match and a second chance at life.

    Giving back has always been at the heart of who she is. Leticia is often invited to serve as an emcee for community events throughout South Texas and remains active in her faith community at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where she serves as a lector. She is also a former professional mariachi vocalist, a past Miss LULAC Feria de las Flores Queen, and a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi. Her service has included board roles with Girl Scouts of the USA, AVANCE, and the Arts and Cultural Commission for the City of Corpus Christi.

    Of all her experiences, one of the most meaningful has been getting to know Bella Sanchez and her parents, Ray and Betsy Sanchez. Serving on the Smiles From Heaven board is deeply personal to Leticia and closely aligned with her life’s mission. As she often says,
    “Bella will always be my why.”

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