Our Board Members
Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). Our hearts were already set on Heaven before Bella went there.
Ray Sanchez
Co-Founder/President
Betsy Sanchez
Co-Founder/Vice-President
Bella's father, Ray Sanchez, a proud US Army combat veteran, and her devoted mother, Betsy Sanchez, found their world forever changed when their youngest child and only daughter, Bella, was diagnosed with leukemia at just 7 months old. Heartbroken but determined, they embraced this new reality with open minds and hearts full of hope, dedicating themselves to understanding their daughter’s condition.
Bella's treatment required extended hospital stays far from home. Throughout this difficult journey, Betsy and Ray remained by Bella’s side, witnessing not only their daughter’s suffering but also the pain endured by countless other children and families battling childhood cancer. Bella’s cancer journey was long and difficult, filled with both hope and heartbreak. On April 9, 2019, at the tender age of 2, Bella gained her angel wings as the Lord called her home.
Despite their immense grief, Ray and Betsy made a profound vow: to turn their tragedy into a mission of hope and support. They established an organization dedicated to helping children and families affected by pediatric cancer.
Through this effort, Ray and Betsy have chosen to channel their pain into positive change, working tirelessly to provide a lifeline to those navigating the same devastating journey. Their unwavering commitment honors Bella’s memory and aims to make a lasting difference in the fight against childhood cancer.
In the same words that Job used (Job 1:21) "God you have given to us and taken from us but blessed be your name."
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Norma Lopez-Helzer
Director, Secretary
Mrs. Helzer received her Paralegal Certification in 1993 from The San Antonio Court Reporting Institute. Throughout her career she has worked with various law firms in San Antonio, Houston and Laredo, Texas. Since 2009, Mrs. Helzer has worked for the federal government, as a legal assistant. Norma is an active member and leader at Christ Worship Center a local church in the community. Her parents, Samuel and Noemi Lopez have Pastored the Sanchez family and been their spiritual leaders for over 20 years. Mrs. Helzer finds it an honor and privilege to serve in the capacity as the Secretary for Smiles from Heaven. Most importantly she finds it in her calling to serve in helping bring assistance to the children in our community who are fighting this battle with hope, comfort and joy. She believes that through the mission of Smiles from Heaven and in honor of her angel friend, Bella, we can all together let them know that “No One Fights Alone!”
Jose Angel Gomez
Director, Treasurer
Jose Angel Gomez is a life-long friend of the Sanchez family Mr. Gomez has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Accounting, a Certification in Oil and Gas Accounting, and Certification in Small Business Management, all obtained from Texas A&M International University. Mr. Gomez is a local business owner and has over ten years of experience in accounting with various local companies. With his strong business & accounting background, Mr. Gomez will oversee the organization’s finance management and needs. He is honored to be a part of Smiles from Heaven.
Ray Charles, Au.D.
Director
Dr. Charles is a practicing Audiologist in Laredo, Texas. He is a family friend of the Sanchez Family. Dr. Charles visited Bella during her initial time at the hospital when she was first diagnosed. He continued his support by assisting in organizing fundraisers for Bella's expenses during her fight. In his professional career, Dr. Charles provides hearing health-care to the South Texas community, including children and adolescents that suffer from hearing loss as a result from their chemotherapy treatments. As Board Member of Smiles From Heaven, Dr. Charles is honored to be assisting in all categories and be part of a great team dedicated to help children and their families fighting cancer.
Hector Hernandez
Director