For Martha Guzman, December 9, 2023, began like any other day—but ended with her life forever changed. A routine trip to her small business turned into a moment of unimaginable heartbreak when she found her husband collapsed on the floor. He had suffered a devastating stroke, and by the time the paramedics arrived, the damage was so severe that he had lost mobility on the entire right side of his body and his ability to speak.
In an instant, Martha’s world was upended, forcing her to close their business and take on the role of her husband’s full-time caregiver. She found herself in a new world that seemed like a never-ending dark tunnel with obstacles at every step of the way—but she knew she couldn’t give up on her husband or her family. She didn’t know what IHSS was or where to begin, one thing was clear: her love and determination to care for her family would guide her through. Martha’s love for them helped her find the light at the end of the tunnel and find the support and guidance she needed in her community.
When her daughter introduced her to UDW, it marked a turning point. Martha discovered the resources and support available through UDW and IHSS, giving her the tools to navigate her new life. “I am very blessed to have found UDW because, without them, I wouldn’t have known where to begin,” she says.
UDW didn’t just provide Martha with support; it reminded her of the incredible strength that comes from being part of a community. She realized that having someone to lean on can make even the darkest times brighter.
Despite the significant changes in her life, Martha has continued to find ways to stay active and engaged. Rather than letting her circumstances defeat her, she turned them into a source of motivation and deepened her commitment to the community work she already loved. She cooks meals for local rehab centers on Sundays and supports various local organizations, including PyR (Prevent and Rescue), a group of families dedicated to raising awareness about addiction prevention and helping those in need. Martha also embraced creative outlets, such as crafting uniquely designed jell-o desserts. Most importantly, she discovered a passion for singing to the Virgen of Guadalupe—a practice that reminds her of her inner strength and unbreakable spirit.
Today, just one year after this journey began, Martha’s husband, Miguel, has made remarkable progress, defying the odds by walking again. Through therapy and Martha’s constant motivation and support, he continues to improve every single day. Together, they face the road ahead with determination hope that they can inspire and motivate other families to stick together and find community.
Martha’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience within each of us and the vital role community plays in our lives. As home care and child care providers, we are more than caregivers; we are advocates, leaders, and pillars of support for those we serve. Together, we can overcome any obstacle, protect the programs that sustain us, and create a brighter, more just future for all.
Discover more inspiring member stories at udw.org/our-stories.
