CANCER RESEARCH: The organization affirms the importance of scientific research and investigations of new approaches to cancer, illness detection, treatment, and prevention. Therefore, we strive to make annual contributions towards accredited cancer research instituitions.
We want to help people that are affected with cancer and/or members of their respected family and make those that are not affected and/or aware of this disease justly knowledgeable of the need for continued research and ongoing search for a cure. The foundation was originally founded on principles created to promote social, educational, and awareness development of this deadly disease.
Ongoing research will hopefully improve quality of life, extend remission, and bring undiminished hope to the lives of cancer survivors. We must continue to fund essential research that will ultimately identify the causes and develop the cures to eliminate this disease. MMF will seek to make a difference by generating broad-based support for cancer research and by advocating for an urgent awareness among all mankind of the fight against this disease.
The foundation will embrace advocacy, education, fundraising, and research related to the fight against cancer. In addition, MMF also honors “Outstanding Community Contributions” in Health-Care, Innovative Cancer Research Programs, and Social Work at our annual awards dinner and fundraiser. See www.pyreneesfiesta.org or contact our office for nomination forms.
CATASTROPHIC OR LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS: During times of catastrophic or life threatening illness for children ages 0-17, MMF provides those families assistance in creating "Everlasting Memories" and improving "Quality of Life." With decreasing public support, increasing financial burdens due to these medical conditions, and the challenge of balancing all of these factors, our families are frequently stressed and overwhelmed with initial diagnosis and treatment.
Our public-benefit organization tries to assist families by relieving these stressors and contributing towards healthy community strategy. MMF will establish separate and distinct monetary assistance funds at local area hospitals (Mendiburu Magic Funds) by which area residents can work closely with an assigned Health-Care Social Worker and access these monies and/or related social services related to individual cases.
Illness is a devastating reality that strikes children indiscriminately--leaving families emotionally and financially exhausted. The efforts of MMF can help ease these burdens and help provide much needed life-long memories and a better quality of life during a trying time. For when it is all said and done, that is all there is for anyone of us...memories and action.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: MMF has created three distinctive divisions to promote and support positive youth development programs; that are related to character building and social enrichment.
- The foundation names outstanding graduating high-school seniors (Nancy Ann Mendiburu Scholarship Fund) each academic school year, in partnership with the Kern High School District, due by May 1 of each year.
- The foundation solicits requests from area non-profit organizations, in the form of annual mini-grants not to exceed $3,000.00 per allocation. The mini-grant proposals must facilitate any worthy community asset related to our mission and/or youth development project serving youth in Kern County. These proposals are due by July 1 of each calendar year.
- Since 2000, the foundation has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County to proudly name the Nancy Ann Mendiburu Youth of the Year. The awards ceremony/selection is coordinated by local Boys & Girls Club staff and the award recipient is automatically qualified as a regional candidate representing the Western United States. In addition, MMF also honors “outstanding community contributions” in Youth Development at our annual awards dinner and fundraiser. See www.pyreneesfiesta.org or contact our office for nomination forms.
Our vision will enable MMF to be responsive to requests by citizens within the Central California region and especially County of Kern. MMF will strive to accomplish these worthy tasks while appreciating the purpose of human life as being to serve, and show compassion and the will to help others. As a non-profit charitable organization we depend solely on the community for funding and hope you will find a way to help us continue our mission and grow its reach.
The Family & Our Community Team
Nancy's unique spirit and legacy lives on through Mendiburu Magic, and the dedicated efforts of many volunteers who generously donate their own time and money to further our cause to help needy community programs and area families who struggle with the effects of a child affected by any life-threatening or catastrophic illness. She always told us to remember other people that were sick and especially children that were losing precious life. As mentioned, her humble ways and her endless compassion, humility, integrity, and amazing thoughtfulness will shine from within this non-profit organization. We will strive to help others in her name and we will continue to fight for a cure for cancer.
At the age of 54, Nancy Ann Mendiburu lost her six year battle with ovarian cancer (clear cell adenocarcinoma) on June 19, 2000 and is now survived by her husband of thirty (30) years, Juanito Mendiburu and two sons, John Gary and Brian. The two brothers founded the organization and are responsible for the daily operation. Brian's wife, Valerie, is also a member of the Governing Executive Board as a Vice-President. Nancy's four sisters and one brother all live in California as well. Nancy’s siblings serve as Advisory Board Members and have an active and vital role in its daily operation.
Besides keeping the books and running the family business since 1981, Mrs. Nancy Mendiburu worked at Alternative Programs Incorporation and Mesa Verde Correctional Facility in Bakersfield, California until her passing. The ownership and management teams of API were awesome to her and she could not put into words how highly she thought of them all there!
The Juan Mendiburu Sheep Company was owned and operated by the family from 1981-2005; before Juan reluctantly retired July 1, 2005 at the age of 70. Mr. Juanito Mendiburu still remains very active in the daily operation of this foundation; and has been the Chairman of the Board and Senior Vice President since 2001. The foundation is ran by a Governing Board of Directors, 5 family members, Executive Advisory Council, 11 appointed community members, and a General Community Advisory Board, 65 members of our surrounding area from varied professional sectors including lawyers, doctors, dentists, business owners, corporate executives, non-profit executives, real estate professionals/developers, education principals, sports marketing agents, health-care professionals, teachers, social workers, financial planners, elected officials, and law enforcement.
We thank you for your interest in this organization. The entire team at Mendiburu Magic looks forward to hearing from you and we always welcome feedback as well! Be sure to visit these links to the right of this very page, and see all of the wonderful local, state-wide, and national resources available.
