Tejano Nation journalist Norma Jean Mendez, known in the Tejano industry as Jina Ink, is recovering in a San Antonio hospital after colon surgery on Friday (Aug. 27).
Mendez has been hospitalized for the past five days and doctors found an obstruction in her intestines that was caused by numerous previous surgeries. She was diagnosed with Systemic Crest Scleroderma Syndrome in 2010 and has caused problems with her digestive mobility. Five years ago, Mendez lost the valve to her enlarged esophagus and recently discovered stomach ulcers and polyps that could be cancerous in the future.
A series of planned endoscopy procedures could not be done because it would have serious life-threatening consequences for Mendez, doctors decided on colon surgery as the safest current procedure.
“I ask that you keep me in prayer and pray for doctors and surgeons as they have a tough and hard obstacle ahead with me,” said Mendez before her surgery. “There is no cure for Crest Scleroderma. Thanks to (the hospital) for their care, especially my husband and children for their love and support. I have a long road to recovery but very strong faith in Christ, I will be healed.”
RELATED: Veteran Tejano journalist Jina Ink joins Tejano Nation
Jina Ink has spent many years in the Tejano industry communicating and exploring the roots and culture of Tejano music and the legacies of musical historians past and present. She has traveled the country finding future rising stars and sharing their stories. She joined Tejano Nation as a multimedia journalist in October 2020.
Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our Spotify playlists and iHeartRadio podcast.
Premios Tejano Mundial 2026 Announces Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Star-Studded Performers, and Final Five Nominees
La Sexta Entrega returns to San Antonio with industry legends, fan-favorite artists, and a powerful celebration of Tejano music’s legacy and future
Monica Saldivar Turns Heartbreak into Power on Mariachi Single ’Dulce Venganza’
Fearless mariachi-driven revenge ballad marks Saldivar’s first radio release of 2026
Tejano Outlaw Band Drops Debut Single ‘Quiero Volver Contigo,’ Blending Classic Roots With a Modern Edge
DFW-based rising stars team up with Tejano legend Shelly Lares and songwriter Jose Rosario for a dance-floor proven Progressive Ranchera
Discover more from Tejano Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Tejano Nation 
0 comments on “Tejano Nation journalist Norma Jean Mendez recovering after colon surgery”