Belizeans Mobilize to Turn Cordelah’s Holiday Wish into Reality

What started as a simple Christmas wish from a brave young girl battling cancer has turned into something extraordinary. Across Belize, and even beyond, hearts have opened, and hands have reached out to lift up Cordelah Duran and her family during one of the toughest fights of their lives. From prayers and donations to heartfelt messages, the response has been nothing short of overwhelming. Tonight, we take you inside this incredible wave of kindness, where a community proves that the true spirit of Christmas is alive and well. It’s a story of compassion and community, and Shane Williams has more.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

The response has been so overwhelming that it had to be organized to make sure every bit of help truly counts. Enter Kristian Alpuche, known online as El Toxico, he’s using his massive social media reach to rally support and, more importantly, to manage it. Thanks to his efforts, all that goodwill is being turned into real, tangible assistance for Cordelah and her family.

 

Kristian Alpuche, Social Media Influencer

“When you say my child they, they ask for certain stuff, like something so basic, I can’t get it, man. We take this life for granted. And I don’t know man. So when I read, when I actually said that story you know what, I have to do something about it. I post a lot of jokes and stuff, try to keep it clean, but at the same time, I try use my platform for help people. And I don’t know really to me that type, but sometimes I just do it for the lead transparency.”

 

Shane Williams

“So what all have you gotten from the list so far?”

 

Kristian Alpuche

“As I say, everything from the list and what I explained to the family is that, what they gonna have other peoples where they do the same initiative, where they doing it and stuff. So my best advice to her was, listen, just like how you bin there, raise funds and do your raffles and stuff. Use the stuff thing that excess and try to raise more money so you could help with your medical bills.”

 

Cordelah’s touching message to her mother became the spark for an incredible surge of support. Delilah was overcome with emotions when we spoke with her about the outpouring of support she has seen since the letter went public.

 

Delilah Arana, Mother

“It’s unbelievable. The support. Overwhelming people have been coming the phone nonstop. Every, I can’t take a break. Ca phone keep ringing. People have been coming, dropping off gifts, man. I can’t believe it. We get support. Like I said, the message was not the gift. It was, you know, it was. To be loving to each other and appreciate family, but man, the support is, we got support.”

 

But while the support has brought joy and encouragement, the reality remains unchanged. Cordelah continues her brave fight and today has been especially tough. While deeply appreciative, Cordelah couldn’t muster up the same energy to speak with us like she did just yesterday.

 

Cordelah Duran, Cancer Warrior

“I feel blessed because the gifts and the food. They come most of the food that necessarily groceries and I feel happy because I sick Christmas with mommy and mommy. I have groceries. We make something or say I feel blessed.”

 

Her mother says even with the strength that comes from knowing so many people care, the physical and emotional toll of cancer can be overwhelming, especially on days like today.

 

Delilah Arana

“It breaks my heart. I don’t like to see her like this, like ever meant to have to check, but she’s breathing. You know, I don’t like to her legs, but it’s something that I don’t wanna say I get used to, but I’ve seen it before. You know that. Because some days she’s bright and, and like 10 minutes she could be running around and the next five minutes she’s dumb.”

 

Both mother and daughter say the support has truly made a difference. The messages, prayers, and assistance are helping them push through, and because of that generosity, they’re looking forward to a very merry Christmas.

 

Delilah Arana

“Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t say thank you enough. Honestly, I can’t because I touch your heart. From San Pedro to us, PG all over. People have been reaching out.”

 

Cordelah Duran

“I would like to see a thanks to all those who are supporting us at this moment. I really appreciate everything what you guys are doing for me. Yeah, I just want to see a Thanks again.”

 

Cordelah travels to Merida for a doctor’s appointment on Valentine’s Day. As she continues her fight, her family understands that they are not walking this journey alone. Shane Williams for News Five.