2024's Scots' Angel, Thalia Mendoza

The annual Scot’s Angel fundraiser will be in benefit of 5-month-old Thalia Mendoza, daughter of David Douglas alumni Ashley Mendoza. Thalia was born premature and was later diagnosed with a tracheoesophageal fistula that caused her to code ten times. Tracheoesophageal fistula is an abnormal connection between two tubes that connect the throat to the stomach and the tube that connects the throat to the windpipe and lungs. As many know, medical bills are an incredibly overwhelming expense to families. Thalia has had a successful surgery in October but remains under care in the neonatal intensive care unit.

The school’s own cafe, Dee’s Corner Cafe, set up “Make the Cafe Pay day,” a fundraiser in which the cafe matched every dollar raised, to be sent to Thalia’s family. The fundraiser was  held on Tuesday Dec. 12 during lunch. Also on Tuesday, holiday music played in the hallways, and photo-ops were set up with Santa Claus and The Grinch. Money from the photo-ops will also be sent straight to the Scot’s Angel. Donations will also be collected during advisory classes. 

During the assembly held on Friday Dec. 8, Athletics director Brad Joy introduced Thalia’s mother, Ashley, and spoke of baby Thalia's current condition. Joy also informed the school of an anonymous donor who is willing to match every dollar up to five thousand dollars. 

“Baby Thalia is a fighter,” said Joy, “She is going to impact this world in a great way.”

With help from our large community, there is no doubt that our fundraiser will assist in alleviating the financial burdens on the Mendoza family.