This year’s Nurses Week was sadly darkened by the death of five caregivers in a tragic limousine fire on the San Mateo Bridge. Governor Jerry Brown issued a statement recognizing the incredible contribution of nurses who “work hard every day to make our state a healthier, happier place.” These caregivers, who dedicated their professional lives to others every day in our hospitals and clinics, lost their own unexpectedly in this horrific event. Neriza Fojas, RN, and Michelle Estrera, RN, both worked at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, Jennifer Balon, LVN, and Anna Alcantara, LVN,  worked at Fruitvale Healthcare Center, and Felomina Geronga was a laboratory technician at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland.

While questions remain about how the fire started, we mourn the loss of these women who were dedicated caretakers, loyal friends and loving mothers.

The members and leaders of California Nurses Association/National Nurses United extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of these women for their loss.

To honor them and assist their families, we have established a fund.

“What better way to recognize nurses and those with whom they work than to honor these women who cared for the patients and each other,” said Zenei Cortez, RN and co-president, California Nurses Association.

“I just want to say thank you to the nurses for all your support, all your prayers,” said Abner Alcantara, husband of one of the deceased nurses, Anna Alcantara. Abner, a postal carrier, lives in San Lorenzo and has two children, Andrei, 14, and Arianna, 8.

Please donate using the button below:

If you’d prefer to make a donation by check, please make it payable to, “CNA Nursing Angels Family Fund” with the memo line, “Victims of the San Mateo Bridge Limo Tragedy” and send to 2000 Franklin Street Oakland, CA, 94612.

Please note that donations to this fund are not tax deductible.