Chicago Lawn community saves quinceañera after birthday girl Vianny Maldonado diagnosed with cancer
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A community is making Chicago Proud, pulling together to put on a quinceañera after the guest of honor was diagnosed with cancer.

Vianny Maldonado and her family were all set to celebrate her 15th birthday this weekend, but then the diagnosis came.

Her family had to repurpose the money they saved for her party for her treatment.

Many people in Chicago Lawn, including complete strangers, made sure she still got a celebration.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

For Maldonado and her family, it was a moment rich with emotion. On her 15th birthday, their hearts have never been fuller.

“It’s overwhelming, but in a great way,” Jannet Mendoza, the mother, expressed about making the day special for her daughter. “I’m speechless. I’m lost for words.”

The quinceañera marking Maldonado’s coming of age nearly didn’t happen after she was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia.

Maldonado has been dealing with frequent hospital visits for months. To cover her medical expenses, the family was forced to cancel the party they had been planning.

I’m getting emotional, knowing how special this is for her. She’s going through challenging times, and it’s her birthday.

Jeanette Arteaga, business owner

“I was dreading having to tell her,” Mendoza said. “I mean, even just seeing her face when she found out she had cancer was just, it’s engraved in my head.”

But when community organizer Eddie Guillen learned of the family’s plight, he put out the word in the Southwest Side neighborhood and something remarkable happened.

“The vendors, the small business really came together, and I think that’s important, able to see that miracles do happen,” Guillen said.

People, mostly strangers from the city, suburbs and even out of state donated a cake, all the decorations, plenty of food, as well as a DJ and a stretch limousine, all in less than a week.

The Eco Shop and Refillery business owner Jeanette Arteaga offered up a space behind her shop, and the party was on.

“I’m going to get emotional, because I know it’s very special for her. I know she’s going through a hard time right now, I mean, and it’s her birthday,” Arteaga said. “And just to see that the community, people that don’t even know her are stepping up to show her some love.”

The community even organized a car caravan to join in the celebration

For Maldonado and her family, it was a birthday wish come true.

“I’m a loss of words,” Mendoza said. “It’s so surreal, it’s still very surreal to me.”

Maldonado is an A student and will be starting 10th grade in the fall. Her mother said because of her cancer battle, she aspires be an oncology nurse.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Experts find cause of death for whale washed up on Rockaway beach

Mystery Solved: Experts Reveal What Led to Whale’s Demise on Rockaway Beach

A tragic encounter has been uncovered on Rockaway Beach as scientists determine…
North Korea tests solid-fuel missile engine as Kim boosts threat to US mainland

North Korea Escalates Tensions: Solid-Fuel Missile Engine Test Signals Enhanced Threat to US Mainland

In a demonstration of its ongoing military advancements, North Korea conducted a…
Dietary supplement makers push the FDA to allow peptides and other new ingredients

Peptide Power: Supplement Industry Challenges FDA for New Ingredient Approval

WASHINGTON — Producers of dietary supplements are advocating for the Food and…
American-born Israeli soldier killed in combat in Lebanon

American-Born Israeli Soldier Tragically Falls in Lebanon Combat Operations

An Israeli soldier, originally from the United States, has been killed in…
UK city Derby car crash leaves several injured as driver hits pedestrians

Car Collision in Derby Leaves Multiple Pedestrians Injured

Authorities have apprehended a man following an incident in Derby, England, where…
Father of slain 20-year-old killed by illegal immigrant issues stark warning after Sheridan Gorman killing

Heartbroken Father Warns Against Risks Posed by Illegal Immigrants After Tragic Loss of Daughter, Sheridan Gorman

The father of a young woman tragically killed by an undocumented immigrant…
Ugandan military chief vows to back Israel against Iran in viral social media barrage

Ugandan Military Leader Pledges Support for Israel in Widely Shared Social Media Statement

Uganda’s top military commander has hinted at the possibility of the country’s…
Israeli airstrike in Lebanon kills al-Manar TV's Ali Shoeib, Al-Mayadeen TV's Fatima Ftouni and her brother Mohammed

Tragic Airstrike in Lebanon Claims Lives of Journalists Ali Shoeib and Fatima Ftouni

In a tragic incident, three journalists lost their lives during an Israeli…
Carter Eslick, NAU Delta Tau Delta leader, charged in alleged fraternity hazing incident, death of student Colin Daniel Martinez

NAU Fraternity Leader Carter Eslick Charged in Fatal Hazing Incident: Tragic Death of Student Colin Daniel Martinez

In a stark reminder of the dangers of hazing rituals, the pledge…
Four injured in Upper West Side high rise fire

Four Sustained Injuries in Upper West Side High-Rise Fire Incident

A fire erupted in an Upper West Side high-rise, leaving four people…
Newly emerged video shows Noelia Castillo's father cheering her on as she tried to walk

Heartwarming Moment: Noelia Castillo’s Father Encourages Her First Steps in Viral Video

A heart-wrenching video has surfaced, capturing the poignant moment when Noelia Castillo,…
Crete house fire: 71-year-old Walter Palmer, 16-year-old Kassidy James, 11-year-old Mary James, 7-year-old Ivory James found dead

Tragic House Fire in Crete Claims Four Lives, Including Three Children

A family in Crete, Illinois, is grappling with unimaginable loss after a…