Support Enrique’s wish to be Alex.

This is my dad, Enrique Gomez Montes. That’s how the hospital knew him. But some of his friends knew him by “El Flaco”. Initially, the hospital knew me by CATA because he told them that that was my name but everyone knows that’s my childhood pet name. He would always tell the doctors, “call my daughter, Cata”. For the span of a few months Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital became our home. Every day after I dropped off my daughter, Sofi at school I would run to the Hospital to check on my dad. Now, I sit in my car lost in thought. I find myself daydreaming that my dad is free of the hospital. I imagine holding his hand while we walk to the car to go home. My dad fought long and hard in the hospital. Now, he is free to walk with Alex to a place I cannot understand. I miss them both deeply.

My dad died. This is true. It’s incomprehensible to accept that months after burying my little brother, Alex, we have to lay my dad to rest beside him. It was my dad’s wishes to be buried with his son in Mission Hills.

Thank you to his Nurses, Doctors, Hospital staff, friends, family and even strangers for extending kindness, compassion. Thank you for being a light at the end of what feels like a dark tunnel. Thank you for bearing this sadness with us. Thank you for helping the unbearable feel more manageable. We appreciate your condolences, thoughts and prayers.

It is our hope to raise these funds as soon as possible to lay my dad to rest. Some have reached out for a private donation which can be done through Zelle or Venmo.

I, Claudia Gomez will be planning and hosting a big fundraiser next weekend on my dad’s behalf. My dad had an army of people that loved him who have already committed their time. Thank you. This fundraiser will take place at Richie Valens Park in Pacoima. We will be serving:

-Tejuino estilo El Grullo Jalisco made my mom

-Mexican food/desserts

-Specialty drinks

-Homemade Soy Wax Candles

-Mariachi Music

All this will be done with the effort to raise funds for my dad’s funeral. Anyone wishing to contribute or help me with ideas please don’t hesitate to call me. I will be updating you soon on the events to come on my behalf.