Salem, Oregon Teen had the Heart of a Champion

Xiomara means “Ready for Battle” and she was.

Xiomara was a freshman at McKay High School

(SALEM) - Xiomara Ibanez, 15, passed away Saturday of congestive heart failure.

Born in California on May 6th, 1991 at 9:30 AM, Xiomara showed her strength and determination from the very beginning.

Xiomara was born with severe heart and lung problems.

Doctors told her mother before she was born that she had little chance of survival. Xiomara means “Ready for Battle” and she was. Because of her illness, Xiomara, who was a freshman at McKay High School, confronted difficult times, but she always fought with an unbreakable strength. She had a beautiful spirit, a shy smile and was always eager for life her family said.

“Never give up on your dreams and enjoy every minute of your life, cause life is too short -- p.s. Believe me,” Xiomara once said. Her parents, Henoc and Blanca Ibanez as well as siblings Edith, Bianca, Jonathan and Gael are coping with the loss of such a wonderful person. Those close to the Ibanez family would like to reach out to the community to help Xiomara’s family during this difficult time.

Funeral expenses as well as the expenses incurred during Xiomara’s illness and hospital stay are proving to be difficult for the family to manage.

Those interested in helping can do so by calling Ben Gonsalez at (503) 779-4823 or b_gonsalez@yahoo.com.

The family is also excepting donations at any Washington Mutual Bank Branch.