APPLE VALLEY, Calif. – A 2nd grade class at Mariana Academy, in Apple Valley joined the Jose Montano Foundation to package 75 snack bags for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
The Jose Montano Foundation was created in 2013, by a South Bay teen, Jose “Choncho” Montano. The teen was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a rare type of brain cancer in 2011. Rather than becoming depressed, or very understandably depressed, Jose encouraged giving from the heart. Despite his grave prognosis, he taught to, “ Never Give Up and Always Believe in Yourself” and modeled what giving from the heart meant. Going through treatment, including chemotherapy, Jose knew that many family members and patients did not get healthy snacks while their child was receiving treatment due to lack of funds or not wanting to leave their child’s side.
While being a patient receiving care, still connected to the chemotherapy machine at times, Jose pushed his red wagon full of toys and healthy snacks through the halls of Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Jose unfortunately lost his battle with Cancer in 2014, but his foundation has lived on with thousands of toys and snacks bringing smiles to patients and their loved ones since the foundation’s inception. .
Mrs. Witthauer’s class gladly packed the 75 bags after learning more about the Jose Montano Foundation. Studies show that children who volunteer learn new skills, fosters empathy, teaches new skills, and teaches children to invest in their community. “Mariana Mustangs take PRIDE in demonstrating good character and helping the community,” Apple Valley Unified School officials said.
