Hernan

• "Sandra" - I would like to say a few things about Sandra. For other descriptions of her you should read her friends’ stories. They are not only amazing, but give a much better description of Sandra than the one I can possibly give. [more...]

• "Thanks" -
  ....to God for these incredible 7 years with Sandra
  ....to Sandra for being Sandra
  ....more..

Ilene (Sandra's Mom) -

"My Daughter!" - I entitle these brief comments “My Daughter!” with an exclamation because Sandra was and still is my precious daughter and WOW—what a daughter! Sandra was always an exclamation, bringing vigor and life to me and all—I mean all—the people with whom she came in contact.  In my life, how lucky am I to have experienced her in body and spirit.  How lucky!  How blessed! 

My life with Sandra began with her birth, which was a difficult one. [more...]

Jaime (Sandra's Dad)

"SMTM - SANDRA - MAKUS - SANDRI" - During the early springtime this year (before Sandra passed away) I would wake early in the morning and spend an hour or so before going to the office thinking, meditating, and writing.  Most of my thoughts and words were about my precious daughter, Sandra.  What follows are those streams of thought.  

It was around 5:30 am, I was on call at the hospital (those arduous on-calls).  Ilene calls, comes and picks me up and off to the hospital we go, our baby is ready to be born!

[more...]

Aliana (Sandra's Sister)

Eulogy - When faced with the prospect of speaking today, you can imagine I found myself a little nervous. In the end, I decided the most appropriate thing to say was “thank you.”
...

Thank you, mom and dad, for being the kick-ass parents that you are.
You were certainly instrumental in making the brilliant being known as Sandra. Sandra proudly wore my dad’s outrageous and creative zest for life and my mom’s kindness, her energy and her marvelous mischief. [more...]

Josine (Sandra's Niece)

"Tia! Tia! Tia!"

Tzaneen & Hilali (Sandra's Loyal Companions)

Woof! Woof!!

[more...]

Delfina (Hernan's Mother)

Carta a Una Hija - Mi queridísima Sandrita!!!! GRACIAS por compartir con vos, Nan y tus padres tanto lindos como difíciles momentos, que nos acercaron tanto hasta formar la gran familia que somos hoy.  

Viví tus transplantes y quimioterapias, pero siempre había alegría en tu casa, siempre amor y dedicación tanto de Nan como de Ilene y Jaime. Me quedaran siempre en el recuerdo estos años vividos tan intensamente a veces con alegría inmensa por las buenas noticias y si no eran buenas era lindo ver que salíamos adelante con todo el entorno de la familia y  proyectábamos y sonábamos con viajes a todos lados.

[más...]

Sofia (Hernan's Sister)

Sister -What a hard task to put Sandra in words. I’ve been avoiding this moment all week thinking if I let time pass by, something better would come out, but it seems it’s going to be hard, so I’m just going to try… Sandra is the kind of person you have a connection with right away, spontaneous, tender, loving, open and frontal. You get along with her from scratch, and if that’s not the case, check yourself out, for you are definitely the problem. 

For me, she was a sister from the very first moment we met.

[more...]

Arturo (Sofia's Husband)

Querida Sandra,

Es muy lindo ver alguien que se ha desarrollado tanto, y crecido interiormente de la manera que tu lo has logrado. Creo que es una bendición, alcanzar el nivel de crecimiento espiritual y emocional que tu lograste.

En este mundo Todos estamos de paso, y lo importante es aprovechar la oportunidad para elevarnos, cosechando amigos, afectos y Amor, entregándonos con convencimiento.

[más...]

Alexia (Santiago and Cata's Daughter)

"Sandrita" - Hola Sandrita!!

Mama y Papa me contaron que viajábamos para tu cumpleaños y se me ocurrió hacerte un regalo.

Un regalo que trate de decirte todo lo que no te puedo decir porque todavía no se hablar (aunque me hayas escuchado gritar, reír, protestar y llorar… viste que tengo carácter?? Je je je)

[más...]

Delfi (Hernan's Sister)

Eulogy - I sat down for quite some time thinking what I would say to you today and the more I though the less I knew what to say.

I thought of reading a passage of the Bible or a Psalm maybe, but in my experience I’ve always found this little passage my sister once gave me much more comforting…

"The Room Next Door"

[more...]

Ynez

• Eulogy - I am not convinced that I know of any words that can encompass all that I feel for and have experienced with Sandra. So instead today I want to share HER words with you. [more...]

• "M" - In April 2007, I got the news that my 13 year old kitty, Gozo, had feline lymphoma, aka Kitty Cancer. Luckily for Gozo (and me) it's a very treatable type of cancer and after 14 months of chemo he's still doing great. I got Gozo my 2nd year of college and he and Sandra spent lots of time together over the years. Sandra felt pretty bad for me having a best friend and a kitty with cancer so she immediately sent a package filled with treats for Gozo (and a few for me.... ;-)) [more...]

John

• "Mariposa" - the poem

• "Mariposa" - the story

• LoveButterflies.org - a website created to spread the joy of Sandra

• "The Deathbed" - “I want to die outdoors, under the trees.”  Everyone looked toward the hospice workers to whom her final request was addressed.  Sandra lived her life in no ordinary way, and would die in no ordinary way either. [more...]

Ramin

Eulogy - In War and Peace Tolstoy brilliantly depicts how someone can change on their death bed. With social fears and repercussions now irrelevant, one is free to become as vicious, petty, demanding or as selfish as they desire.

With Sandra however, death only made her more the person we had all come to know and love and crave to be near: giving, selfless, loving, independent, funny, so courageous and positive, and with enough life and love to mock death with her spirited howl. [more...]

Ago

Coming Soon...

Shea

"WWSD?" - The thing that stands out most to me when thinking about Sandra was her way of being with people.  The first time I met her was in New Orleans, in 1999.  My friend, Ynez and I had planned a trip there, and only upon arriving did I learn that another of her friends was to join us.  I was a bit unmoored by this information, and was hesitant and unsure of how this would all unfold with a new girl in the mix.  The second Sandra walked in the room, I loved her.

[more...]

• "Delightfully Mischievous" - Many of you knew Sandra as an adult. You knew how creative and fun and full of life and mischief she was. [more...]
• "Landscape Painting" - When Sandra and I were 16 years old we signed up for a series of art classes at Winston-Salem's Sawtooth Center. [more...]

• "Rainbow Circle Over the Thai Horizon" - ...then for some reason my eyes slowly lifted from the horizon.... and I could hardly believe what I saw... [more...]
• "A Sign from Sandra" - Everyone knew the symbolic importance of Butterflies to Sandra. They were clearly a theme throughout her life... [more...]
• "Reminders of Sandra that Make Me Smile..." - I think of Sandra all the time and am reminded of her presence constantly. [more...]

Claudia

Mi Reina - Mi reina, mi preciosa, mi amor, mi vida, mi corazón… desde que te conocí que te puedo decir… sentí una súper conexión y me fascinaba estar contigo en todo momento y llenarme de tu energía maravillosa; como hablamos muchas veces, tu y la Denisia son mis yayas y nada va a cambiar eso, te extraño tanto…

[más...]

Denise

Sandrita de Mi Vida,

He estado pensando todos estos días que voy a escribir en esta pagina... y la verdad es que te extraño tanto que no se muy bien que contar. Ninguna de las historias que escribo le hace justicia a las experiencias que compartimos juntas, o a las cosas que aprendimos, o las conversaciones que disfrutamos juntas y con la Claudita. Al menos, mi YaYa, se que puedo contar 2 cosas que he aprendido de todo esto: 

[más...]

Julie

"Hitching with Sandra, Scandalous Stories, and other Shenanigans" - I first met Sandra in Berkeley when we were 19. Jeffrey and I were living at Chateau, a colorful co-op full of misfits, poets, dancers, hippies, punks, and compost fanatics. She brightened the entire kitchen in a summery white dress and cowboy boots, teaching Jeff how to make peach pie. I thought she was one of the coolest people I had ever met. A bohemian southern belle.

[more...]

Jeff

Coming Soon...

Keely

"With Zeal" - I first met Sandra in Shantytown at the UC Berkeley Forestry Camp in 1995.  We were the first people to arrive at camp who chose to live for the summer in a little half wood-half screened dust-filled shack instead of the cushy dormitory accommodations available.  Sandra was larger than life from the first moment I met her.  She had a palpable electricity that foretold great adventures.  All of my memories from that fun-filled summer include Sandra. 

[more...]

Victoria

What a great shining light, this Being called Sandra, who once graced us with her presence and now graces the whole of infinity with her amazing bright light!  I often used to write to her and thank her for spinning on this planet the same time as I.  She is a teacher and an inspiration. What strength, courage and beauty inside that little frame! She was a manifestation for us of what courage means. I am happy to know her beauty has been polished even more now; I have an image of her energy as a sun-like sphere, pulsating.

Another name that I associate to my most amazing friend is, pixie.  She was this happy little imp, be-bopping around in this world. She was content to just be able to cause a little bit of mischief. [more...]

Fabi

"Sandra" - I met Sandra through you Hernan, as we knew each other before you started dating, as you and Ron had become friends in business school.  I never thought Sandra and I would become such good friends and would bond in the ways we did. But it was just so natural.  Every moment we spent together was special, filled with love and laughter.

[more...]

Melinda

"Giving at Age 5" - I have many stories of Sandra that show her wild, adventurous side, her drive to simply experience anything and everything. She was great to be with because she  always adding excitement to even the dullest of activities! Yet I love Sandra for a completely different reason. I love her because of the giving spirit that beamed out of her. It simply felt good to be with her.

I met Sandra when we started kindergarten. [more...] (includes cute pics)

Beatriz

• "My Friend Sandra" - Sandra became one of my best friends by becoming my inspiration… having a history of ovarian cysts, Sandra and I could relate to each other deeply, probably more than she ever knew… Her advice, her support (and Hernan’s) throughout the most difficult times of my life, is a gift I will always treasure. But it was her strength and courage that went beyond words, and she could easily lift you just by the tone of her voice. [more...]

• "Sanra's Pot of Gold" - Sandra loved Rainbows, and once we told each other our techniques as kids to find their end: hers involved a rope to tie the rainbow to a tree, until she realized they were meant to be free... [more...]

Sofia

From Beatriz (Sofia's mom): “Sofia wrote this note on May 6, 2008. She was very sad that day and did not want to go to her ballet class. She did not show me this note until yesterday (May 14, 2008). She talks about a North Carolina t-shirt that I bought her thinking about Sandra because it has a butterfly on it”

See Sofia's handwritten note

Ashley Ballantyne - 07 August 2008

One of my favorite games at work is to search for remarkable people from my past on Google...and lets just say Sandra was REMARKABLE! Actually, she was A LOCA DE LA PRIMERA! We met during a field course in Monteverde, Costa Rica (which apparently became her sanctuary later in life) and Sandra was one of the zaniest most unique people on the course. I have vivid images of Sandra running around like a lunatic late at night in the lab- she was this frenetic ball of energy just bouncing off the walls. Perhaps some people thought that she was nuts, but I knew that it was just Sandra's way of blowing off steam. Those few months spent living and studying in the rainforest definitely changed my path in life and I like to think that they changed Sandra's path a little bit as well. In fact, I tried to convince her to head south with me following the course. I was headed to South America and I thought that Sandra could have helped me stay out of trouble in Colombia, but alas she was off to forestry field camp.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meet up with Sandra later in life. Once again she passed through my life like a streaking comet. Me and a friend were headed to Death Valley to lose ourselves in the immensity of the desert following our rather intense finals. Sandra and Keely showed up in the desert and they brought much welcome life to an otherwise desolate landscape. I remember camping under a galaxy of stars and rolling like tumbleweed down the sand dunes. Ciao, Loca!

Ken Epps - 22 June 2008

I have two vivid memories of Sandra. Hernan was my group mate in school and we were sitting next to each other in class one day when Sandra walked in.  All Hernan could say was "Wow", to which I replied "yep".  And there it began.  The second memory involved studying for final exams.  Sandra and I somehow ended up studying for a micro final together - or at least we started out studying for a micro final together.  It didn't take me long to realize that this woman was scary smart - like, so brilliant that I had no business even being in the same space with her.  She was very sweet about the whole thing and never let on that her job in life was to be my study partner, not an unpaid tutor.  I found a way to bow out gracefully and ended up studying with another group that was more my speed.  I'm sure Sandra got an "H" on that exam, while I barely managed to make a safe landing with both wings intact.  That was the first time in school that I was totally humbled by a classmate's genius and although it was certainly not the last time, it has always stayed in my mind as the most memorable. 

 

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Ana Oreamuno - 25 May 2008 

Estoy impresionada de ver como Sandra tenia el corazón tan grande, que toco a todos los que tuvimos la bendición de conocerla.  Cuanta alegría y cuanto amor la rodearon el día de su cumpleaños.

Sofi Mendoza - 14 May 2008 

Yo casi no la conocí aunque la sentí muy cerca y rescato como vos decís en un mail, que durante su enfermedad NUNCA se quejo, eso nos deja una enseñanza enorme a todos... y realmente es admirable, la luchó hasta el final... y Dios le dará su recompensa.

Mike Burns - 12 May 2008

…“She is one of the best, kindest, most talented, compassionate people I've ever known. I've been filled with sadness thinking about her, having to struggle through cancer all of these years. Only someone as strong and courageous as her could have made it this long. She has and will continue to be a friend in my heart.

A few years back when she was going through another round of treatments, I nicknamed this tiny fern plant in my office "Sandralita". Over the years it grew into this big giant plant in the corner of my desk. Although I had to pass it on to a co-worker when I left that company, I'm sure it is continuing to grow with her spirit. You are right that she will live on in our hearts, and in the plants and flowers and animals around us that she loved”…

 

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Fabi Unger - 12 May 2008 

I find some relief when I think of what Sandra told me in one of my last phone conversations with her, that she was in peace, and that she saw these last years as a journey, and she was ready to face the next stage.  Although she is no longer here with us, she is still living and continuing her journey, and I believe in my heart she is okay.  She will miss us like we miss her, but we will help each other find a way to deal with her physical absence.  Her spirit will always be present, we know that.

 

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Maria Laura Quintana - 11 May 2008

…al mismo tiempo siento una profunda admiración por Sandra. Realmente se trató de una persona Excepcional que Dios puso en tu camino  y que de una manera o de otra siempre te va a acompañar.

 

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Theresa Gambaro - 10 May 2008 

My name is Theresa and I am a friend of Sandra's. We first met in Mexico and then again after we had each been diagnosed with cancer. She visited me in 2005 prior to my own bone marrow transplant, and she provided me immeasurable support and care. In 2006, hundreds of paper butterflies came my way from Costa Rica, which again reflects Sandra's boundless graciousness and kindness. 

Your wife has been such a true friend for me and is absolutely unforgettable.

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Hunter Grove - 9 May 2008 

She was a ray of sunshine for all who met her and she will live on in your heart and soul.

 

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Ty Stober - 9 May 2008 

… Seeing you and Sandra last fall was truly a highlight of the reunion.  As always and immediately, Sandra began questioning the who, what and where of my life.  In this conversation, her face took on the familiar look of intense engagement, with her mind able to remember long-ago shared details to fuel the discussion.  While at KFBS and after a five year break in communication, there was never a question of Sandra's sincerity and genuine interest in the lives of people around her.  And then there was the playful side.  The teasing.  The inside jokes.  Spawned mostly from our Spanish class and trip to Guadalajara, "el klinkor" and "super bajos" will forever be etched in my psyche.  With Sandra, I knew they were terms of endearment that again showed her interest in who I was.

 

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Nanes Otero Monsegur - 8 May 2008 

…aunque ya lo sabes una vez más para decirte que Sandra fue un soplo de alegría, para todos los que estuvimos con ella y nos deleitamos con ella.

Gonzalo Santamarina - 8 May 2008

Sandra fue un ejemplo de lucha admirable.

 

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Jose Mendioroz - 8 May 2008 

Sandra se fue, pero nos ha dejado muchos ejemplos de vida a copiar. Y eso es un gran orgullo para vos Hernán. Quiero que sepas desde acá, la admiración hacia vos y tu mujer por el optimismo y la increíble predisposición que siempre tuvieron para llevar adelante el duro camino…

…Por último me llamó la atención que Sandra lo nombrara a Lucas antes de morir. No la conocí mucho, pero solo se me ocurre una palabra para describirla: Generosidad. Que bueno que ahora Lucas esté también junto a ella.

 

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Sol Zavaleta - 8 May 2008 

Que tenés que sentirte orgulloso y feliz de haber compartido la vida con una mujer tan especial como Sandra. Todos tenemos que aprender de ella, su fuerza, lucha y su alegría! La verdad que siempre admire la buena onda y alegría que tenia, hasta en los momentos más difíciles.

 

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Julie Gerk Hernandez - 8 May 2008 

To my Berkeley friends,

Yesterday morning, my dear friend, Sandra Trujillo, passed away after battling cancer for six years. Last Saturday, Sandra turned 34, and friends and family from around the world flew out to wish her happy birthday, including the fabulous Jeffrey Brunz whom I hadn't seen in 12 years. Although we knew it would be her last birthday, we celebrated like there was no tomorrow. A truly profound experience.  

I know some of you knew her, at least in passing. She lived on Durant in an old white horse cottage, near Sufficient Grounds. Beautiful, sparkling, intense, feisty, brilliant, incredibly fun, Sandra lived with a fierce love of life. She beat cancer three times, but it returned a fourth time, and she realized she couldn't fight anymore. She accepted her death with grace, gratitude, and peace, even humor, cracking jokes until the very end. I have never seen someone so full of love.  

It's so hard to imagine the world without Sandra in it.

 

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Eliana Guinazu Trianes - 7 May 2008 

Queridísimo Hernán, Sandra ES un ser mágico para muchos de los que tuvimos la suerte de conocerla.  
Ahora tendremos su mágica presencia en las cosas lindas y también a través tuyo. 
A pesar de tiempos, distancias, olvidos y llamados no hechos, siempre la tuvimos y tendremos en el lugar más privilegiado del corazón. 

Te acompañamos, te admiramos, te mandamos lo mejor de nosotros para seguir como ella quiere que sigas. 
Te esperamos en Santiago...para reencontrarnos, compartir, recordar y brindar por esa mujer que tanto nos ha enseñado y transmitido, tu mujer. 

Un beso enorme, con el corazón lleno de agujeritos que sólo se llenan con el recuerdo de Sandra, 
Eliana

 

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Pablo Aliaga - 7 May 2008 

Sandra siempre estará en el corazón de todos nosotros, el haber podido conocer y compartir importantes momentos de mi vida con Sandra es algo que nunca olvidaré, y siempre estaré agradecido. Aprendí muchas cosas de ella. Gracias.

Federico y Kika Villalobos - 7 May 2008 

Hemos recibido con mucha pena la noticia de Sandra. Ella ES y SERA un ejemplo para todos de fortaleza y vida.

Louis Rens - 6 May 2008 

Solamente quiero decir that it was a joy to know Sandra and see how much she brought to everyone around her. Especially to you and Claudia. Although I am really mad at Dios right now, I am so thankful we all got to know Sandra. Boy did we all laugh a lot with her around.

Sandra Chartouni - 6 May 2008 

Sandrita blessed all who knew her...she was a living angel.  I feel blessed to have known her and to have been touched with her incredibly happy, positive, loving, caring and energy charged spirit.  Her big brown eyes, that huge smile, and that slight southern accent is all I can think of.  What a beautiful being, what a beautiful soul.

 

Ines Montanaro - 6 May 2008 

Un ser único, que se ganó el cariño de todos los que la conocimos. Un ser elegido por Dios para tenerlo cerca suyo. Hoy está libre y feliz

Nanes Otero Monsegur - 6 May 2008

Ella, como vos, es única, original e irrepetible. Como tal, va a quedar en nuestra memoria y la llevaremos con nosotros, adonde vayamos. Con todas las características que la hicieron ser Sandra.

Paul Amisano - 6 May 2008 

Sandra was a beautiful, wonderful woman that left a positive impact on everyone she met.  She was also very strong and brave, and I am sure your love and support made it easy for her to fight so hard.

Sandra Andrade - 6 May 2008 

Creo que ella era más sabia que nosotros y lo tenía más asumido, ella parecía darle fuerza a los demás. 

Sandra es muy especial, quizá no sea para este mundo. No cabe duda que DEJO HUELLA en todos nosotros.

Estoy segura que cada vez que nos acordemos de Sandra, lo vamos a hacer  con una sonrisa en los labios, porque así era ella, positiva. Tenés razón VA A SEGUIR VIVA EN NUESTROS CORAZONES.

Sarah Zieff Morse - 6 May 2008 

Sandra always impressed me with her spirit and joy for life.

Susan Easley - 6 May 2008 

My favorite memory of her will always be when we all dressed up as the Spice Girls for the "Party like a Rock Star" party at Players our 1st year at b-school. That is how I will always remember her...full of life and having a fantastic time.

Kate Craver - Sandra’s high school advisor. She presented the faculty award to Sandra on her graduation with the following comments.

An athlete, a leader, a scholar for sure

      In song and on stage with a voice so pure.

She left us in winter to study away

      In a place where they didn’t do math – not one day! 

Few have traveled as widely and far

      [more...]