Remembering Mimi Alvarez and Her Journey of Hope

By Gary Yamauchi

Mimi Alvarez passed just before Christmas. Many of you will recall Mimi as a young teen with several serious medical ailments. The symptoms of her illnesses meant that she could not be exposed to light as it would burn her skin. She used a wheelchair and had to be fed intravenously.

The residents of Alhambra came out for a city-wide fundraiser to support her. Among the volunteers were some local churches that held “free” weekly car washes (donation-based), and the Rotary Club of Alhambra helped wash the cars. The Police and Fire Departments each collected substantial donations, and our City staff and many others spent many hours of their own time assisting Mimi in raising nearly $40,000. The money was used to send Mimi via private jet to a hospital in Boston for treatment.

Mimi was very religious and would pray multiple times a day. Here is a portion of a poem that she liked. It was printed on the program at her memorial service.

“My First Day in Heaven”

By Barbie Mendivil

…I look upon my Savior’s shining face,

As I thank him for his saving grace. I look around my home here & there.

I thank Him for no burdens to bear.

This was well worth all of my pain.

For all the Beauty of heaven to gain. It was worth all my trials and testings.

Nevermore I’ll ever be alone.

I’m home in Heaven.

Yes! I’m home!