Life can sometimes throw unimaginable challenges our way. Some individuals seem to glide through hardships while others face them head-on. One family experienced a profound series of unfortunate events. A devoted husband and father of four received a terminal diagnosis, leaving his wife overwhelmed as she tried to sustain the family. However, kindness and compassion from others miraculously turned her situation around.
A Loving Wife and Mother of Four, Facing Her Husband’s Illness
Jessica Roboredo’s life was centered around her family. Married to Robert, she shared four children with him. Their love story began through mutual friends and quickly blossomed into marriage and a growing family. They welcomed their first child, then three more, creating a bustling household.

Living in Las Vegas, Jessica worked as a waitress at Chili’s while Robert applied his skills as a wood craftsman. Raising children under six was demanding, yet Jessica and Robert thrived on supporting and loving them.
Strained Finances
Jessica’s life wasn’t luxurious even before her husband’s diagnosis. His hospitalization brought financial strain as his income disappeared, stretching their budget even tighter. She tackled the challenge of supporting her children and maintaining their home. With utmost devotion, she traveled frequently to the hospital, incurring additional expenses and often sleeping in her car to avoid accommodation costs.

Despite these hardships, Jessica remained optimistic. She held onto her sunny disposition for her children’s and husband’s sake, resisting the pull of despair.
A Welcome Miracle
Since childhood, Jessica maintained a close friendship with her second-grade teacher, Kimberly. Their connection lasted through the years, with Kimberly feeling Jessica’s pain and wanting to help. Frustrated by the traumas her friend faced, she knew Jessica needed help with medical bills and the looming threat of losing their home.
During one of Jessica’s shifts at Chili’s, an unexpected and uplifting series of events unfolded. A customer left a $200 tip, moments later, another left $300. The generous trend continued with a $500 tip, quickly matched by a nearby patron who overheard the situation.
Kimberly had reached out to Fox5, placing a nomination that culminated in an incredible surprise. The TV crew arrived at the restaurant, showering Jessica with an array of gifts. She received $10,000 for expenses, a new car to drive, and hotel accommodations for her visits to her husband. “You guys have no idea how much this means to me. My husband is actually in the hospital. I almost lost him a week ago,” shared Jessica with Fox 5.
Although Robert tragically succumbed to his illness on August 12th, 2016, Jessica continued to embody strength and grace. She remained an emblem of resilience, stating: “My biggest thing is to keep your head high and keep smiling because as long as you keep smiling, you’ll make it through.”
Sources
- “FOX5 Surprise Squad – Waitress with Dying Husband Gets $12,000 Tip!” FOX5. YouTube. August 18, 2016