How does one truly become part of a community like Los Cabos? For Gay Thatcher, the answer was simple: get involved. Having lived in various parts of Mexico, she understood that true connection came from active involvement and giving back. With a deep-rooted passion for philanthropy, Gay set out to find ways to contribute to the well-being of her new home. Her search led her to Amigos de Los Niños (ADLN), an organization that resonated with her lifelong commitment to helping those in need. Today, Gay is a cornerstone of ADLN, dedicating her time and energy to ensuring that the children of Baja California Sur receive the medical care they deserve.
Gay Thatcher’s Journey to Los Cabos
Gay’s story began in Santa Monica, California, where she was born and raised. Her journey to Mexico started 43 years ago when she married Luis Herrera in Los Angeles. Together, they made their way to Puerto Vallarta, and from there, her love for Mexico only grew. After living in various cities like San Miguel Allende, Mazatlán, and Mexico City, Gay and her husband eventually settled in Cabo San Lucas, where she has become an integral part of the community.
A Life of Service: From California to Cabo
Gay’s commitment to philanthropy began early in her life, working alongside her grandmother with Native American children in Head Start programs. This passion for helping others only deepened as she continued her nonprofit work in Mexico City, where she played a significant role in organizations like The Union Evangelical Church and the Salvation Army of Mexico.
When Gay moved to Cabo San Lucas, she brought with her a wealth of experience and a heart full of compassion. She joined Amigos de Los Niños (ADLN) 12 years ago, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality medical care to low-income children in Baja California Sur. Under her leadership, ADLN has expanded its services and deepened its impact, ensuring that thousands of children receive the medical attention they need.
Transforming Lives Through Medical Care
ADLN’s work is a testament to Gay’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of children in the region. Over the years, ADLN has achieved remarkable milestones, including the establishment of a pediatric oncology ward and the implementation of new laws to ensure congenital defect testing for all newborns in Mexico.
One of the most significant achievements during Gay’s tenure is the alliance formed seven years ago between ADLN and Corazón de Niño. This partnership has led to 11 “Unido de Corazón” congenital heart defect clinics, where over 200 children have received life-saving surgeries and catheterizations. Each year, the community comes together for the ‘Amorcito Corazón’ culinary event, raising funds to support these critical surgeries for children on the waiting list.
A Legacy of Care: ADLN Clinics
Gay’s leadership has also been instrumental in the success of the ADLN Free Pediatric Dental Clinics, which have been running for 15 years in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. These clinics provide vital dental care to low-income children, preventing serious health issues and fostering a lifetime of positive dental experiences.
Another cornerstone of ADLN’s services is the Audiology Clinic, which has been a fixture in the community for 30 years. Thanks to the dedication of a team of volunteer physicians, thousands of children have received no-cost hearing aids, enabling them to excel in school, connect with their families, and lead active social lives.
Embracing the Cabo Community
For Gay Thatcher, living in Cabo San Lucas is about more than just enjoying the beautiful scenery; it’s about giving back to the community that has welcomed her with open arms. Her journey from California to Cabo has been marked by resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
In her work with ADLN, Gay has not only changed the lives of countless children but has also set an example for other expats in the Baja Bubble. Her story is one of passion and purpose, embodying the spirit of community and care that defines life in Los Cabos.
As she continues her work, Gay remains dedicated to ensuring that every child in Baja California Sur has access to the medical care they need. Through her efforts, she has built a legacy of hope and healing, making Cabo San Lucas not just her home, but a place where dreams of a healthier future come true.
Learn more about how you can support children’s health in Los Cabos through Amigos de Los Niños by visiting ADLN’s website.
