After a courageous ten year battle with leukemia, Nancy Cordero, a senior at San Mateo High School, passed away on the morning of Nov. 26.
Despite her health obstacles, Cordero inspired many with her positive outlook. She was an avid member of San Mateo High School’s cheer and track and field teams, in addition to participating in Renaissance and Leadership.
Senior Jose Ruiz remembers, “I first saw Nancy two years after we both graduated from Borel. We did not talk in middle school, but we hit it off at the County Fair the summer before our junior year. She wanted me to go on a ride with her, but it was too scary… That day was basically when I saw her fun loving personality and how much of a cool girl she was. After that, we kept hanging out for the rest of the summer.”
Adds senior Kevin Dwyer, “Nancy was always happy. No matter what was going on in her life or at home or at school, she was really capable of pushing that away and in the moment just having fun with her friends,” says senior Kevin Dwyer. “I never saw the pain she was in even though I knew it was there. She didn’t let the pain bother her. I always enjoyed the time we had with her.”
The morning of Nov. 26, San Mateo students were encouraged to wear purple, Nancy’s favorite color, as a symbol of support for her fight with brain cancer. Upon learning of her passing that morning, silver ribbons were donned by students in acknowledgement of brain cancer.
The San Mateo High School Winter Music Concert occurred on Dec. 5 and was dedicated to Nancy Cordero. Donations were collected to help cover costs for her funeral and fund future cancer research. Cordero’s funeral on Dec. 3 was attended by family, friends, and community members.
I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing Nancy Cordero since kindergarten . Nancy was my daughter’s best friend and much like another daughter to me. She was an amazing , positive young lady that touched so many people in her short time here on earth. We miss her terribly- We love you Nancy our Angel in Heaven <3