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.

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.

Bio coming soon. 

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.