IN A MOVING MIX of tradition and triumph, a young woman recently celebrated her Quinceañera, a ritual deeply rooted in Latin America that marks a girl’s transition to adulthood. This milestone had even greater meaning, as it symbolized not only her passage into adulthood, but also her resilience in overcoming the adversities that life has presented.
VICTORIA GONZÁLEZ ENTERS SACRED HEART MISSION OF ANAHEIM FOR HER QUINCEAÑERA MASS WHICH WAS CELEBRATED ON AUG. 4. PHOTO BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Victoria González, at first, was not very interested in celebrating her Quinceañera; despite knowing how important this cultural ritual is for many Latin families. However, after suffering a stroke during a procedure to remove a tumor and finding herself partially paralyzed and fighting for her life in a hospital bed, her perspective changed dramatically.
During her most challenging days, Victoria’s loved ones encouraged her to keep fighting, reminding her of the “big party” that awaited her and their desire to dance with her.
Against all odds, that celebration finally took place recently.
Before the festivities, Victoria attended an emotional Mass, where she expressed her gratitude to God for her life and for the support of her parents, family and friends. The service was a significant moment, reflecting the many challenges she had overcome, making the celebration that followed even more meaningful.
“It is a great honor to be celebrated with a Quinceañera,” she said by phone, a few hours before heading to the church, where she would wear a beautiful gold dress adorned with shiny decorations and a crown on the hair. “I am very proud of my culture and my family, especially for everything they have done for me.”
Victoria continued: “When I was in the hospital, I never wanted a big party. But when I saw how many people came every day to check on me, I felt so loved and realized how many people really cared.”
As she knelt before the altar at Sacred Heart Mission in Anaheim (a chapel connected with St. Justin Martyr Church, also in Anaheim), Victoria made a solemn promise to God: she would dedicate her life to His service and remain forever grateful for the life He had given her. Her parents, chamberlains and loved ones witnessed this sincere vow.
Victoria’s journey has been marked by numerous challenges, making her story an example of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. The turning point in her life came when she was in fourth grade, a moment that changed her path forever.
One night, Victoria suffered a severe headache, prompting her parents to rush her to the hospital. An MRI revealed the unthinkable: a brain tumor. During the operation, Victoria suffered paralysis on her left side, which led to a month-long stay in hospital, followed by an extensive rehabilitation process.
Her father, Salvador González, an immigrant from Mexico who has lived in the United States since 1989, explained that his three children, Victoria, Alexis and Anabel, along with his wife, Maria Jannef, suffer from a genetic disorder known as Von Hippel-Lindau. (VHL). The rare syndrome is an inherited condition that predisposes people to developing tumors in several organs, including blood vessels in the brain, spinal cord and eyes.
“Five months ago, doctors informed us that a second tumor had formed in Victoria,” Salvador González shared. “They assured us that there was no immediate danger, but in six months they will do another MRI to monitor his growth and determine the next steps.”
Despite the new diagnosis, Salvador maintains his firm faith and trusts in his 15-year-old daughter’s resilience.
“I’m not afraid,” he said, crediting his trust in God and Victoria’s strength to face the challenges ahead. “My daughter has overcome a lot; she is a warrior.”
Victoria currently attends Mater Dei Catholic High School and takes dance classes there. She even dreams of being a gymnast.
“I am very grateful to God,” her father said. “I feel happy because she is very responsible, attentive and kind.”
This sentiment was shared by María Servil, Salvador’s aunt, who attended Victoria’s Quinceañera Mass with tears of joy in her eyes.
“I was so happy to see her parents so happy, and especially Victoria, after everything they’ve been through,” said Servil. “This is proof of God’s love, as He has blessed us with the gift of having her here with us.”
Despite her fear of losing all her abilities after surgery, she remained determined. She fought with all her might, believing that she could overcome the challenges, just as she had done when she reached her 15th birthday against all odds.
“When I started physical therapy, I knew I wanted to come back stronger and better than before,” Victoria said. “I practiced and I got my skills back and then some.”
Victoria hopes her story inspires others to value life and the people around them, especially their families.
“I am very grateful to my family, who has supported me through everything,” she shared. “I am very aware of my tumors, but that will never stop me from living my life to the fullest. God has given me many opportunities, and I trust Him and what He has planned for me.”
She added: “I feel stronger than ever, and I believe I can and will overcome the challenges that await me in the future.”