Sara Enriquez Needs Our Help!

Sara Enriquez began her career with the Arlington Emergency Communications Center in March, 2007. She has been an excellent employee, has progressed quickly through the training program and has been serving as a calltaker to both English and Spanish speaking callers. Shortly after she began employment with the Center, Sara learned that she was pregnant. ECC joined Sara in her preparations for the arrival of her baby (as we always do, with baby showers, gifts and whatever else is needed). Camilla Enriquez was born November, 2007, a healthy, bouncing girl. This is the joyous news. However, Sara and her family have suffered devastating losses as well.

Just before Camilla was born, Sara’s grandfather died. She could not travel to Texas from Virginia for the funeral because her doctor said that it would not be safe for the baby. In addition, Sara learned that her father, who has a heart condition, needed a heart transplant. He is now on the list awaiting an available heart. In early December, Camilla developed a serious respiratory infection and was in the hospital for a week; she was released and is doing very well but her stay in the hospital compounded the family’s stress.

On Sunday, January 6, 2008, Sara’s husband Julio was taken to the hospital with severe abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, Julio went into cardiac arrest. He was on life support until his death on Wednesday, January 9, 2008. This loss has, of course, been devastating to Sara. Julio was only 28 years old; Sara is 26.

We are accepting and soliciting monetary donations, cards, letters and prayers for Sara and her family. We will use all money that is donated to help pay Sara’s medical insurance (which she has with the County) while she is out on extended medical leave. Due to her short tenure here, she has exhausted all her earned and donated leave. Please send cards or donations (made payable to Sara Enriquez Fund) to Vanessa Gaymon or Jim Keaton at the Arlington Emergency Communications Center, 1400 N. Uhle Street, 5th Floor, Arlington, VA 22201. You may contact Vanessa by phone at 703-228-3987 or email vgaymon@arlingtonva.us or Jim by phone at 703-228-4083 or email at jkeaton@arlingtonva.us.