Del Valle mom cares for family's health worries while managing her own

Betty Patina-Trujillo has been taking care of ill family members since she was 14 years old. She took care of her brother, who had diabetes and kidney failure. He died in January.  

It was hard to lose her brother, she said, but she is trying to live day by day.

Now she is helping take care of her 14-year-old son, Margarito, who has three congenital heart defects and scoliosis. Margarito underwent back surgery for his scoliosis in October and has been placed on bed rest. 

Patina-Trujillo, 48, also has multiple sclerosis, and her husband, Ruben Trujillo, 50, is legally blind.

The family is part of the Statesman's Season for Caring program, which helps local families by raising money for their nonprofits. The Trujillos were nominated by Wonders and Worries, which helps families that have one parent with a serious illness.  

Read more:Trujillo family continue to push through medical challenges | Season for Caring 2023

For Betty Patina-Trujillo, caring for her son while dealing with her own illnesses can be hard, but she tries to remain calm so she can be safe and do what Margarito needs. 

"I try not to panic," she said. "When I panic a lot, my nerves start shutting down. So I'm trying to keep calm and not think about" her pain. 

Her 21-year-old son, Ruben Jr., said he worries about his mom. There are times when he has to remind her to eat, he said, or she’ll forget amid taking care of everyone else. Ruben Jr. hopes he can help his family more by getting his high school equivalency diploma and a driver's license.

“I’m just trying to help out where I can,” he said. 

With all the medical challenges, it has not been easy keeping up with bills, Betty said. Buying simple things such as groceries has been difficult. With gas prices rising and living in Del Valle, keeping up with Margarito’s medical appointments in Austin has become expensive, she said. 

Learn more:12 families featured in the 25th Season for Caring program. Here's how you can help.

Her 9-year-old daughter, Eliza, said she's aware of her family's financial worries.

“My family has been struggling a lot,” Eliza said. “They have been strong with everything that has been happening.” 

Despite everything, Betty's biggest wish is to have the family together.

“I am just happy that my son is home,” she said.  

The Trujillo family needs gift cards for H-E-B, Walmart and Target; driving lessons and GED classes for Ruben Jr.; an electric stove; a refrigerator with an ice maker; and a computer. CG&S Design Build has donated home repairs and a new porch with a wheelchair ramp. The family now needs a home organizer to help clear out spaces for the repairs to start.

To find out more about the Trujillo family or to donate an item on the wish list, contact Wonders & Worries at 512-329-5757 or wondersandworries.org.

About Season for Caring

The Statesman will be sharing the stories of all 12 Season for Caring families throughout the holiday season. Find more stories and information at statesman.com/seasonforcaring. You can donate online or use the coupon on Page 2B and mail it to Austin Community Foundation, c/o Statesman Season for Caring, 4315 Guadalupe St., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78751. Make checks payable to “Statesman Season for Caring.”