Fundraisers to be held after Salem woman dies suddenly

The family and friends of a Salem woman who died suddenly on Friday are coming up with ways to help pay for funeral and medical expenses.

Maribel Hernandez-Morales, a 34-year-old wife and mother of five, was taken to Silverton Hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 17, after having severe back pain and losing her ability to walk. After being told that she was severely dehydrated, she was then taken to Oregon Health & Science University hospital in Portland. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, her family was informed by an oncologist that cancer had spread throughout her body. Hernandez passed away early Friday morning.

Martha Hernandez, Maribel's sister, said the family did not previously know she was ill.

"We were confused when we got to the hospital," Martha said. "She hadn't told us anything, and it wasn't until the doctor told us that we knew she had cancer."

Hernandez leaves behind her husband Gustavo Cortes, and five children -- Brenda Garibay (16), Cassandra Hernandez (13), Giovanni Cortez (10), Jackie Cortez (7), and Milan Cortez (15 months).

A pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Lancaster Applebee's as well as the North Salem Applebee's near Keizer, where Maribel worked for 15 years. Maribel's husband, Gustavo,and her sister Martha both work at the restaurant as well.

Tickets for the event are $10 and include an all-you-can-eat breakfast menu. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be given directly to the family.

A gofundme account has also been created by friend and co-worker Heather Nishimura-Hamm to assist the family in paying for the sudden expenses.

Nishimura-Hamm worked with Hernandez-Morales for five years at Applebee's and describes Maribel as being a "sweet, loving, funny, spit fire, sassy woman."

"We're just trying to help the family as much as we can," Nishimura-Hamm said. "It's a complete shock to everyone that she's passed away."

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/erg9pg