By CECILIA GONZALES
Special to the NEWS
(Photo by Cecilia Gonzales)
Janet Mata of San Benito is seen with Broadsword IT representatives Guillermo Ledesma III and Edward Whigham III. Ledesma donated a laptop and computer to Mata to help her complete her book.
Gratitude and generosity of the San Benito community was shown as Janet Mata received donations of a laptop and custom-made computer in replacement of her crashed laptop, in order to continue her legacy.
“I was speechless, I didn’t know what to say,” said the recently-turned 22 year old. “Here’s somebody that doesn’t know me, hadn’t met me at all, and out of their heart was donating me a laptop. It just showed me how good people are.”
Mata’s laptop recently crashed, temporarily halting her dream of writing a book. “It kept freezing and having viruses, and the software would get erased. It was happening for two years, but it finally crashed and they told me there was no hope for it,” said Mata. “I started crying, and thinking ‘What am I going to do?’ I just kept on writing, but because of my disease, it hurts my hands.”
The disease Mata is referring to is an incurable muscular disease, Dermatomyositis, that prevents her from most daily activities, but that doesn’t discourage her to keep fighting, as she has overcome many obstacles.
Mata was even more overwhelmed when the donator of the laptop visited her home to deliver his gift. “When he came, and I saw the laptop, I started getting teary-eyed,” Mata said. “I was very surprised and grateful, and honored that somebody out of nowhere would just make my dream come true.”
Elks President Efrain Guerrero was contacted to assist Mata’s needs, and in response, one of the Elks members decided to donate a personal laptop. “She has a story that she wants to share, she has to continue her legacy, not only to her family, but as an inspiration to people that might be going through the exact same thing, and she offers hope quite frankly, the hope of not giving up,” said Guerrero.
The other generous donator was Broadsword IT, a Harlingen-based computer services company. The owner, Guillermo Ledesma III, decided to donate a custom-built computer when hearing of Mata’s dilemma. “I found it very compassionate for her to want to let the world know, and it doesn’t seem like there’s a type of glory or boasting, she just wants to let people know, which is great,” said Ledesma.
According to Ledesma, Mata’s original laptop, which she was told was irreparably damage, will be restored courtesy of Broadsword IT.
The book Mata wishes to publish will discuss the challenges she faced while growing up, and the ones she’s still going through. “The book is about what I’ve been through since I was 3 years old, having this disease, and having to go through it,” said Mata. “Also my family, because it’s not just me suffering, it’s my family too.”
Her book also offers hope and inspiration to others. “I know I’m not the only person that has an illness, I know there’s others out there,” she says. “I always tell myself I may be sick, but there’s somebody else worse than me. I just want to be able to inspire people to not give up, and even though you’re sick, you can still have a life, just a different kind of life.”
In addition to her own challenges, she is currently facing her mother’s recent back surgery, and the expenses. “She’s not working, and she’s not going to be able to for about three to six months,” said Mata. “I know that stresses her out, it would mean a lot if anyone could help.”
Mata even commented that her laptop is now the least of her worries. “The laptop doesn’t even matter, I would just want help for my mom,” she said, tears filling her eyes. “I know there’s good people out there that care, they showed me that with the laptop donation.”
Anyone that is interested in donating for the expenses of the back surgery is encouraged to email the News at editor@sbnewspaper.com.
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