TEMPE, Ariz. — When the Vasquez family opened Tacos Califia in downtown Tempe – they knew running a small business would be a lot of work.
They didn’t anticipate a life-changing experience
“The happiest baby. He was always smiling, giggling, laughing,” said Celeste Lopez.
Two weeks after signing the lease to open the taqueria – baby Luca was diagnosed with leukemia.
“Always had a smile on his face through all the chemo. The bone marrow transplant. All his procedures. Nothing bothered him more than his teething when his two teeth came in,” said Lopez, Luca’s mother.
His parents, Celeste and Christian, spent eight months showering him with love at Phoenix Children’s.
“I always tried to stay happy. There was a smile on my face. Always positive. He lived his whole life with happiness and joy,” said Lopez.
Sadly – little Luca passed away on New Year’s Day.
“I think just holding him. I definitely, miss that,” said Lopez.
Through all the tough times - the community came to their support.
“I was with him the entire time, and I enjoyed every moment of being with him,” said Lopez.
The family will be putting on a fundraiser at Tacos Calafia in downtown Tempe for the Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels - a non-profit organization that helps families with children battling cancer.
The fundraiser is Thursday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. at Tacos Calafia's Tempe location at 414 S. Mill Avenue.
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