Yohanny joined AAV in 2017, first volunteering in the Campo Amigo and En El Camino programs and then continuing with the organization as a year-long volunteer every subsequent year. Her contributions to AAV are numerous, and she will be greatly missed. Please read the following comments about Yohanny from AYUDA and AAV.
“Yohanny coming to the foundation was a blessing both for her and for AAV. Her passing has left a great emptiness within me and the foundation. She leaves behind a great legacy. Her smiles, laughs, and unwavering willingness to help will never be forgotten.”
- Sandra Jaquez, AAV Education Director
“Yohanny was a very happy person, even having all the problems in the world, she was always happy - even more so when another person needed a little joy. ‘Happy’ would be the word that described her 100%. She was kind, loving, funny, and supportive, among many other virtues that this great woman had who left a piece of herself in each of our hearts.
Personally, the news of her death was unexpected. I had spoken with her a few days before, and her wish was to be able to get together with all of us like before, but, because of COVID-19, she couldn’t. She wanted to share with everyone who changed her life for the better. She always said that, thanks to the foundation [AAV] and all the people who are a part of it, her life became happy, but she was the one who really changed our lives.
I will miss her with all of my heart, and I hope to one day become the model woman that she was.”
- Lisa Cruz de la Cruz, AAV Volunteer
“Yohanny was full of positive energy and always made sure that we felt welcomed and loved. As her roommate across multiple summers, I so deeply cherish all the memories, laughs, and snores we shared. She cared so much about AAV, AYUDA, and the work we were doing, and she truly believed in all of us.”
- Nikhita Gopisetty, AYUDA Volunteer Mentor
“Hello, I’m Breiner, Breiner Jeremi. For me, it is such an honor, and it fills me with joy and, at the same time, a bit of nostalgia to talk about Yohanny, who was my friend, a very special person to me and to all of those from the foundation [AAV] who knew her, who connected with her, and who loved her. We loved her spark, her joy, the way in which she advised us and cared for us, and the way she gave all of herself to every and all activities at the foundation.
I remember that I met Yohanny the first year she joined the foundation at Campo Amigo. I remember that Tía Sandra brought her to the classroom where yellow group was working and introduced us to her. I took her by the hand and was with her that whole time. I hugged her and welcomed her along with Omar who was with us, and I remember that Peninah was in that group. We were there with her [Yohanny], and she was a person filled with love. She integrated very easily with us; she connected immediately and helped us with everything. She was so open to learning and absorbing all that is AAV and integrated herself in a way that was instant and incredible. My best memory of her is when we were together in the hotel during Campo Amigo, and she came over to me and sat with me to give me advice, as I was doing some things that, perhaps, weren’t the best, but she also came over just to laugh and have fun with me and to spend a bit of time together, because that was the type of person she was.
She will forever be in my heart with amazing memories and so much love. It hurts me so much that she has gone so suddenly. In my heart, there is a lot of joy for the time I had with her. I truly could enjoy her and being with her. I know that the love I had for her as a person, as friend, as a part of the foundation was completely genuine.
Yohanny, no matter where you are, I hope that you know that I, and all of us here, are so happy to have known you and shared with you. You will always be part of my life and all of our lives and a pillar for AAV. We love you.”
- Breiner Jeremi, AAV Volunteer
