12/31/2020
Over the past few days there has been progress! The doctors have finally successfully removed the shunt used for draining access fluids from her skull. That means that her body is beginning to normalize! I had the joy of video calling Cuca today with my two brothers and our tia. She looks good! The swelling in her face has reduced drastically and she looks normal and healthy. She looks well rested which is a sign that she isn’t experiencing too much stress. She participated in a successful occupational therapy this morning and was tired from the exercise but, the nurse did report that she did move her LEFT arm in response to pain. This is progress! A few days ago, she failed the swallow test which examines her ability to swallow food and liquids. To avoid risk of food going into her lungs and causing infections and other complications, they…
“Join the Chant”, Thank you
Thanks to all who came in support of Cuca to the “Join in the Chant” event held yesterday in Chicago! 100 people came to stand united in-person and through Facebook Live broadcast. Special thanks to Yesenia for coordinating, Cafe Colao for letting us use the store front area, Ivelisse and friends for beautiful prayer in music form, and Christina the pastor for vocal prayers. There will be more events in the future as we all continue to release healing power to Cuca on her road to recovery! Cuca, as of yet, may not be able to fully enjoy the recording, but as soon as she is able I know it will bring a smile to her face and soul. ⬇ Give them a follow! ⬇ Ivelisse Cafe Cola
Join the Chant Event Dec. 27, 2020
Healing Circle: Friends, as many of you know, Cuca underwent major surgery to remove a brain tumor .During the procedure, Cuca suffered seizures and an unforeseen stroke when in surgery. Needless to say, Cuca’s health is quite vulnerable; dire. Although Cuca remains critical but stable, she has shown positive signs, and is progressing, however slowly. Cuca is still susceptible to further physical inflictions. We ask you to please join us in prayer for Cuca. Cuca needs “woo” now more than ever. We want to be able CHANT to the universe in hopes that we are heard. Our goal is to manifest HEALING for Cuca. And that this circle will reach Cuca, someway, somehow. We will provide “some” candles: love and light is needed.You are more than welcome to bring your own. THIS IS AN OUT DOOR EVENT . SOCIAL DISTANCE AND MASK REQUIRED. WE WILL BE STREAMING THIS LIVE AS…
December 26th, 2020
The past few days have seen some major progress. Daily zoom calls with family and close friends are helping to stimulate her and bring some fresh air into Cuca’s hospital room. Midweek she was able to open her eyes and speak a few words! When the nurses asked her if she needed anything she responded “Beer”! It’s encouraging to see her humorous personality come through! Family members heard her speak for the first time 26th. She was able to hold short conversations and asked for un cafecito. Some concerns still exist that are coming coming more into light as she becomes more conscious and responsive. The mobility of the left side of her body remains affected by the medium sized stroke that occurred during the surgery. Doctors expect her to recover but intensive surgery will be required. Swelling and fluid in her brain still remain a concern and as these…
We Stand United with Cuca
Through the trials of life, we rely on those closest to us. We have all been touched by Cuca’s life and will continue to shine on her and each other through the ups and downs. It is our hope that we can continue to sell the creations of an artist who has made such an enriching impact on the Afro-Caribbean community in Chicago. We still don’t know the degree of impact this will have on her life; its a daily journey. We do know that Cuca will not be able to make art for a period of time. Before the surgery, she repeatedly told us, “Art who is who I am. I will not stop making art”. So we are featuring a gallery of her original and printed art: a variety of sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. New to the lineup, we are excited to create Tshirts to show our support…
Wed., December 2, 2020
When you wake up you usually expect the day to be like most others: A day that fades into the year with the ebb and flow of responsibilities and accomplishments. For us, Cuca’s sons, this day started much like this. Known by many as a local Chicago business owner, Cuca the artist, known by some as friend, known by some as tia, nieta, hermana, and known by three as mami. In the evening of 12/2/20 Cuca was admitted to the hospital for a series of tests after two of her sons witnessed her collapse. No one expects a day to turn for the worse and much less to receive a call from your mother telling you she has a peach-size brain tumor behind her right eye. Cuca the artist, the mother, the sister, the person that means so much and has touched so many lives had brain surgery on Monday…