There comes a moment in every community project where you hold your breath and think:
Is this really going to come together?

For weeks, we collected gifts, rallied support, coordinated logistics, and poured our hearts into something bigger than any one business or person. And just as the donation deadline was approaching… everything stopped us in our tracks.

The Family at the Heart of This Project

It’s finally time to share the family who inspired The Heart of Home Project.

Meet Joanna and her daughter, Gloria Endermann.

Joanna is a mother, caregiver, artist, and fierce advocate. She has dedicated her life to caring for Gloria, whose world changed forever after a near-drowning accident when she was just three years old. Gloria survived — against all odds — but the injury left her with profound medical and cognitive needs.

While Gloria’s body has grown, her heart and spirit live in a place of wonder — filled with

 optimism, magic, curiosity, and innocence. She

 loves Disney princesses, sparkle, color, and being outside in her garden. There is something deeply sacred about the way she experiences the world.

Doctors have said time and time again that Gloria has lived far beyond expectations because of her mother’s extraordinary care. Twenty-five years later, that devotion continues — every single day.

When Everything Almost Fell Apart

As the donation deadline approached, devastating news arrived.

Gloria was rushed to the hospital after a sudden and severe medical decline. What began as concerning symptoms quickly escalated into a life-threatening emergency. She was admitted to the ER, her vitals crashed, and she was moved into the resuscitation area. Joanna stood in the hallway watching medical teams fight to stabilize her daughter.

It was terrifying. Exhausting. Uncertain.

Doctors later determined Gloria was battling a serious bacterial infection that caused severe inflammation and prevented her body from absorbing her medications. She was admitted into the PICU, placed on strong IV antibiotics, and closely monitored.

In those moments, we truly didn’t know if we would be able to deliver the project at all.

But Gloria is strong.
And her mother is relentless.

By the grace of God, incredible medical care, and a whole lot of prayer, Gloria’s condition improved. Just days later, she was able to return home.

And that’s when everything aligned.

Delivery Day: More Than We Ever Imagined

We were finally able to visit Joanna and Gloria — and deliver the gifts.

Not just Christmas gifts…
but birthday gifts too.

Gloria turned 25 on December 6th, and we were able to sing happy birthday to her, celebrate her life, and make this season extra special in a way no one could have planned.

Watching Gloria’s face light up as she opened Disney princess gifts, sparkly décor, cozy blankets, and thoughtful surprises was pure magic. There are no perfect words for it — joy, wonder, excitement, gratitude — all wrapped into one moment.

It wasn’t just heartwarming.
It was holy.

A Community That Carried This Together

This project did not happen because of one person.

It happened because community showed up.

Families dropped off gifts.
Businesses donated services.
Clients gave quietly.
Friends shared the story.
People showed up with what they had — time, resources, love.

As a business owner, this is exactly why I built The Repair Tech Inc. the way I did. Yes, we fix HVAC systems and appliances. Yes, we keep homes warm and comfortable.

But comfort isn’t just about temperature.

It’s about safety.
Stability.
Dignity.
And knowing you’re not alone.

With Deep Gratitude: Who Showed Up

One of the most meaningful parts of The Heart of Home Project was seeing how many people stepped forward — not for recognition, but because their hearts were moved.

Every gift mattered. Every service counted. Every act of generosity helped create comfort, dignity, and peace for this family.

Here are the people and businesses who showed up:

Esmeralda Santiago – Angelic Caregiving

Donated 20 hours of respite caregiving, offering priceless support to a special-needs family who rarely gets a break.

Tatiana Osorio & Dr. Santiago Osorio – Breakthrough San Diego Physical Therapy
Donated a free physical therapy evaluation and follow-up therapy sessions, supporting healing and long-term wellness.

Casey Baker – WMNS / Sungenia Solar
Provided leadership, coordination, logistics, and décor planning from start to finish. This project would not have happened without her.

Kathie Robinson – Functional Wellness
Donated decor support for Gloria’s room, including a pink tree that brought joy and comfort.

Joseph Schumert – BizITy
Donated a $100 DoorDash gift card, helping ease daily stress.

Cain Luong
Donated $50 Michaels + $50 DoorDash gift cards, supporting creativity and nourishment.

Becky – Looking Glass Photography
Donated a Chick-fil-A gift card, offering comfort through simple moments.

Stacee Warner – TWT Insurance / Orr & Associates
Donated gift cards toward everyday essentials.

Elissa Leahy – Urban Pacific San Diego Realty
Donated gift cards for essential needs.

Doris Lu Anderson
Donated Melaleuca lotions and creams, focused on comfort and personal care.

Shayna Wilson & Family – Simply Sign Notary
Donated a family puzzle and princess night light, thoughtful and heart-filled gifts.

Christen – Hope on the Hard Road
Donated a bedside Christmas tree, princess blanket, comfort items, and multiple gift cards.

Mandy Rodriguez – DJ MandyMixes
Donated comfort care packages, bringing emotional support through small details.

Jessica Sensenbaugh – Sensible Homestead
Donated a full garden bed reset, restoring an outdoor space filled with peace.

Kristin Beseke – Lean & Lovely Aesthetics

Donated a cash contribution, helping cover gaps where needed most.

Repair Tech Clients (Multiple)
Donated various gift cards, choosing to give quietly and generously.

To every single one of you — thank you.
This project exists because you said yes.

From My Heart

The Heart of Home Project was born from a dream I’ve carried for years — and this year, that dream became real.

This wasn’t about perfection.
It was about presence.

And because of this community, we didn’t just make Christmas special —

we created a moment this family will carry forever.

From the bottom of my heart,
thank you for showing up.

With gratitude,
Andreina Leal-Carrillo
CEO, The Repair Tech Inc.