Local superhero beats near-death experience, transforms hurt into hope

BRAWLEY — On just about any given day of the week, Cecilia Victoria Gastelo can be found pitching in and giving back to military veterans, those who find themselves homeless, and countless community members across the county. The evening of Monday, November 20 seemed to be no exception as she routinely set up tables where she would be fixing up BBQ beef sandwiches and quesadillas for sale outside of Grocery Outlet in Brawley. Hung on a shopping cart beside her, handmade wreaths decked out with billowing ribbons, glittering ornaments, and butterfly adornments were on display with the goal that each sale would help raise funds to keep the local homeless population warm this winter season.

Cecilia, known to many as “Ceci”, “Ms. G”, or simply “the Relay for Life lady”, has proved her status as a superhero in her community over the years, and credits her service-based upbringing for honing her ability to transform hurt into hope.

Cecilia was born in Calexico and spent much of her early years in Mexicali being raised by her grandmother, whom she says is the “focal reason” she loves participating in and facilitating fundraisers. While both of her parents were often busy with their jobs, she and nearly a soccer team’s worth of cousins led by the matriarch were put to work volunteering their time and energy wherever possible. “That’s just how she was,” said Cecilia, recalling the inspiring force of nature who she has since modeled her life after. “If there was no president of the PTO, she would say ‘Okay, I guess that’s me then!’” She said her grandmother never hesitated to jump in when duty called, and that she always made sure those around her were clothed and fed.

Now rooted in the northend township of Brawley, she has garnered a widespread reputation for doing the same.

For years, she was known for her passionate involvement with cancer fundraiser Relay for Life until the program was discontinued locally in the mid-2010s. In conjunction with her best and first friend in Brawley, Betsy Enders, whose own battle with cancer drove them to dive in head-first, the dynamic duo ensured that Cecilia’s three children—Erica, “Paco”, and Jacob—were with them every literal step of the way as they too were brought up in a culture of giving back. “Every year, me and my kids would cook and serve, all for Betsy,” she said of the woman her kids have always referred to as “Aunt Betsy”. “We would laugh and cry with each lap,” she said.

As someone who has battled with diabetes and other health complications all her life as well, Cecilia maintains that the children she was told she could never physically have are her ultimate “treasures” to be thankful for.

More recently, her enduring spirit has been tested when she experienced a tragic health emergency that ultimately led to the complete amputation of her left foot. She recounted the all-too-vivid memory as she choked back tears.

On December 23, 2020–her birthday, no less—a routine doctor’s appointment turned into a life-threatening situation as strange bruising on her face and other symptoms indicated to her son and then-EMT student Jacob that something was seriously wrong. The six-foot-four “gentle giant” rushed his mother to the hospital and carried her into the quarantined area at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly risking arrest to save her life. “Had it not been for him that day I would not be here,” said Cecilia, of her youngest child and the hero who consented to the lifesaving procedure. “We have a special bond.”

Three years later, she is as active in all her endeavors as ever, jumping from job to job and volunteering in every spare moment she can find. “I just woke up (from that experience) with the mindset that (God) could’ve taken me, but He didn’t. I’m still here.” Cecilia intends to make every minute count, and has an outspoken fan base within the Brawley Elementary School District, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Brawley, El Centro Regional Medical Center, and Sacred Heart Church where she has donated countless hours of her time and life force to furthering their service to community. She has won countless awards and has equally as many personal stories of giving back to share with anyone who will listen.

Somehow, Cecilia has always found the time to be involved with all forms of food-related philanthropy. Even when she’s not working with an organization to feed the masses, she takes it upon herself to do it on her own time, often taking hot meals to friends in need and homeless people far and wide. “I feed people, that’s what I do” she said. “I have Tupperware all over Imperial Valley.”

“I enjoy doing things and enjoy seeing smiles on faces that rarely smile,” Cecilia said of her work. “I’d rather share what I have than have it wrapped here at home.”

The “Bulldog-bred, Wildcat mom” said she is most thankful for her “treasures”, her health, and her ability to turn a negative situation into a positive one. “I’ve always been a butterfly,” said Cecilia.

Sarina E. Guerra

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