For Verónica, Chalice’s Arica site director, Leonor has been a cheerful and wise friend for almost thirty years.
She met the then 76-year-old Leonor in 1997 when she was starting to prepare Chalice sponsorship applications for the burgeoning Arica site, which would open in 2000. “Doña Leonor” was one of the first elders sponsored through the site.
Leonor has always been an active member of her Catholic community and her parish’s seniors club. As the years went by, she stopped going out alone; her daughter, Violeta, made sure she still made it to seniors club for bingo and tea. As Leonor moved through her eighties, and then her nineties, many of her club-mates and friends passed away.
“Still, she is very cheerful and positive. Perhaps that is why she remains so well,” says Verónica. “Leonor holds beautiful memories of her friends.”
This July, Leonor turns 101! She still lives independently and likes to read and listen to “old music.”
“She loves cooking, especially to spoil her son and grandchildren,” says Verónica.
The power of positivity shone again when Leonor fell and fractured her hip. After a hip replacement, she recovered “amazingly quickly.” She was soon using her walker to get around the house and water her plants.
“I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the care you have given me all these years,” Leonor says to her Chalice supporters.
“You are my angels on Earth, and you make me feel that God is immensely great and generous through Chalice. My special thanks to my sponsor, who has supported me so much over these years. I also thank the team working in Arica who visit me. I am so grateful to all of you. May God bless you always.”
As she shares her gratitude, Leonor’s story becomes a testament to resilience, love, and the importance of connection.
“We want to recognize all the sponsors who support the journey towards dignity for the elderly,” says Verónica. “For welcoming them, assisting them, and valuing their gifts.”