It is a story about heartache and hope.
Melinda Rodriguez, 46, passed away on Feb. 15 after complications from giving birth a week earlier. The loss stunned her longtime co-workers at Coronado Golf Course, who said they took pride watching Rodriguez’ “glow and her belly grow.”
"Melinda had the most magical smile," said Dorene Bailey. "You could be having the worst day and she would make it better just with a grin and some kind words."
Rodriguez worked as a waitress at the course for several years, making dozens of friends. She often said she dreamed of having a baby, and on Feb. 8, her dream came true.
But just a week later, that joy turned to incredible sadness when Rodriguez died after a uterine infection led to sepsis and double kidney failure.
"I think I feel relieved and glad she had that time to bond with baby Chelsea and to be close and to have that feeling of deep love that you don't have when you don't have children," said Bailey.
Local
Left behind is a beautiful baby girl, Chelsea Rodriguez, whose smiling picture graces a Go Fund Me page.
On Friday afternoon, a nine-hole golf fundraiser was held at the Coronado Golf Course, along with an auction and raffle. Organizers expect to raise more than $60,000.
"It's overwhelming," said Rodriguez's niece Esmerelda Aguilar. "It's really heartwarming because you think somebody as nice as she is will touch a lot of lives. This is beyond words."
The fundraising efforts will go toward funeral expenses for Melinda and help Chelsea’s future, said Bailey. As of this posting, the Go Fund Me page has raised more than $13,000.
More information on the fundraising efforts can be found by clicking here.
