Twenty-five years ago Theresa Masar Codinha’s daughter Jessica “Jessie” Therese Gomez died of osteogenic sarcoma and terminal leukemia when she was 12 years old. Since then the Chula Vista resident has been presenting gifts to children at Rady Children’s Hospital to honor Jessie’s legacy.
“On our first Christmas without Jessica, our family decided we would bring toys to Children’s Hospital in her memory,” said Codinha. “Since that first year, the toy drive has grown, and we are now bringing in truck loads of toys each year.”
This year the collection of toys — 39 boxes — was delivered to hospitalized children on Dec. 20.
Collection boxes had been placed at various businesses and offices throughout the county.
Drop boxes were placed to collect toys around the city and county for weeks leading up to the delivery.
“We have boxes in our offices and many toys were contributed by our agents and staff,” said Coldwell Banker West broker Jose Unibe.
“We brought in 11 boxes,” said Leslie Campbell of La Mesa. “This is our first year. A mutual friend told me about it. She wanted to collect toys for Theresa.”
Pastor Dan Houk’s congregation at Shadow Mountain Community Church–South Bay— where Theresa’s husband Rich has been attending services for eight months—collected three boxes.
Houk took time out of his day to help make the delivery.
Jessie’s cousin Marisa Cali said her family was tight knit.
“We were all young and had a lot of camaraderie,” said Marisa Cali, Jessie’s cousin, on her death. “It’s a big thing. It affected all of us because we were so close. It’s always stayed with us.”
Jessie’s uncle, Bob Masar, carries a keepsake with him everyday.
“This (Jessie’s picture) has been in every wallet I’ve owned,” he said.
Jessie’s brother Daniel Gomez said the toy drive and giveaway is a celebration of his older sister’s life.
“We do look very much alike, I’ve seen pictures,” he said.
Among the participating venues donating toys were Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch, LLP, California Preferred Escrow, Caffee Tazza, and Bluefoot Bar and Lounge.
To contribute toys next year visit www.JessiesKids.org .
