Matt,

I am so very sorry. I can feel your heartache and pain. I would like to let you know something that has touched my heart, life and soul. 

I have talked to Santa a few times about Cohen and watched all her videos over and over. I want you to know how much she touched my life this last year with a few of her words that changed my life. 

I fill my mind with things that help me stay positive through something that’s so uncomfortable and hard to endure. 

My goal is to not resist what I am being presented in my life because that is what causes the suffering. -Santa

When you see a tumor you never think cancer would be any part of my life. When you have it removed and the pathology comes back it is cancer, it is just a huge shock. -Santa

 I can get  snappy with my kids a bit honestly and irritated because I am a normal mom- also I’m not perfect! -Santa

After a cancer diagnosis its hard to not think every pain or different feeling   could be cancer. It’s a hard thing to overcome. You train your body to think  it’s not cancer and you start to ignore the signs. You think it’s something else because you can’t let your mind go there. -Santa

Santa, just like you said “as moms we live to be an example for our children” and I want you to know that you did inspire me.  The words above are yours and even though I’m not the one with cancer you inspired me in a different way, for my son and his battle. I have felt all of these feelings. So I thank you for all the different ways you can internalize cancer whether it be you or someone you love. 

My heart is with y’all Matt!

SEP 28 AT 4:46 AM

Matt! I am just seeing what’s going on, I have no idea if she is still with us, but if she is and you can…. please tell her thank you for forever changing my life in such a positive light.

Sending the whole family hugs. Let me know if anyone needs anything at all…

– Nikki the hair dresser

Dear Garcia/Heinemann Family:

Santa was such a beautiful person. She shined bright, smiled infectiously, exuted pure delight and is someone you never forget, even if she’s only part of your life for a day. She taught me how to do back flips. My heart truly aches for the entire Garcia and Heinemann families. The world is more empty without dear Santa in it.

I was deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of Santa earlier this week. Many of you who read this do not know me. I met Lea, Santa and Elena, better known to me as the Garcia trio, close to 20 years ago via soccer. Many people come and go in our lives, and most of them we never think about and most often times, we forget them. However, there are a few people who come into your life and they make such an impact, that you never forget them, no matter how short they were in your life. The Garcia trio fall into the major impact in my life for me, so much so that I immediately recognized Elena on a plane flight from Denver to Austin around Thanksgiving a few years back, despite it being probably 15 years since we had last seen each other. That is the Garcia effect!

My sympathies go out to all who knew and loved her. I hope that you all can find peace and relief during this time of grief. I wish all the best for you. 

Sincerely, 

Brad Mire