Tejano Nation journalist Norma Jean Mendez recovering after colon surgery

Norma Jean Mendez (Jina Ink) | Credit: Facebook

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).

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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.”

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.

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