SAN ANTONIO — Mariachis are a critical component of San Antonio's rich culture and heritage. One group in particular built quite a name for themselves over these past two decades in a male-dominated industry.
Mariachi Las Alteñas is an all-female mariachi whose musical talents reach all parts of the country. But recently, tragedy has robbed them of a powerful voice.
One of the lead vocalists for Mariachi Las Alteñas, Carla Medina, was diagnosed with stage 4 oral cancer.
As KENS 5 learned, it's a battle she's not fighting alone.
"A lot of people who have seen the group recognize and know Carla for her voice. It's part of who she is. It's part of who we are too as a group," said Valerie Vargas, Director and Founder of Mariachi Las Alteñas.
Singing both traditional and modern music in the style of mariachi, Medina is a founder of the 14-member mariachi group where she serves as a lead vocalist and violinist.
The group has grown their audience, thanks to their continued performances at popular San Antonio destinations like SeaWorld.
"She leads us in prayer before every big performance that we have," said Vargas. "Anyone who knows Carla knows she's a kind-hearted, giving person."
Medina's cancer diagnosis came a little more than a year ago.
"We know it's been hard on her not to be able to sing and do what she loves," said Vargas.
Medina has undergone multiple treatments. On New Year's Eve, she was back in the hospital for an emergency surgery.
"It's really hard to see somebody so talented be hit by something so tragic, especially because her God-given talent of singing and what really fills her heart and fills our heart as a group has taken a big hit," said Angela Campos, Musical Director of Mariachi Las Alteñas.
As the single mother of two stays strong in her recovery, her fellow mariachis are raising their voices by hosting a fundraiser for Medina.
Her second family, Las Alteñas, continues extending their support from beyond the stage. The sisterhood created an online fundraiser so members of the public can help with Medina's medical expenses.
"We are hopeful that within this new year, she's gonna have some recovery and hopefully be able to sing again," said Vargas.
If you would like to make a donation to help Medina and her family, click here.