HurricaneMaria-MSMFamily-PuertoRico
Donation protected
This is Marisel San Miguel. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico (a U.S. Territory). I am the youngest of 3 children born to Angie and Luis. In 2001, at age of 20, I left all known to me, including my family, in order to pursue better opportunities for myself. I left Puerto Rico packed in 2 suitcases and what I thought then, plenty of money for my journey ($500 credit card). I have been blessed. With lots of hard work and sacrifices and with God's blessing and numerous friends support, I've had a good journey. I graduated from AU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and soon after that I was blessed with the opportunity to be able to open up Fur Buds Vet Clinic in Opelika, AL. Fur Buds provides much needed after hours veterinary care at an affordable price for the local and surrounding communities. Two years ago I brought my parents, Angie 65 and Luis 67, to live in Auburn, AL. I felt at rest, I finally had them close to me. Unfortunately, dad missed Puerto Rico and they decided to go back to "visit".... their "visit" turned into 2 years.
On September 20th, 2017 Puerto Rico, a 35 x 110 miles island in the Caribbean, was hit by Maria - a category 5 hurricane. The damages to the island have been catastrophic, like nothing seen since 1928. At this time, the entire island is without power and communication. Wind and water damage was devastating to the island. It’s estimated 4 to 6 months before power and water is reestablished to some rural areas. My family is located in Ciales, in the center of the island, in the mountains. The western eye wall went through my home town leaving the town flooded and collapsed bridges. I was able to learn my parents are well; but I have no way to get in touch with them. No one expected Maria to bring so much devastation to the island.
The current situation in PR: airport open limited hours for military and humanitarian help. Commercial flights are limited and not available until Sept 26th. So many people have been affected by this that is "neighbors helping neighbors". The Government is overwhelmed with the situation. Supplies are limited and people are literally fighting for their survival. I am not exaggerating, my friends.
I consider myself very modest person, and I hate to ask for help. But this circumstances are extreme for my family and my community.
My brother and I are trying to get to San Juan ASAP. We plan to bring supplies and help out parents, family and neighbors. We have a vague idea of what we will find once we arrive. I'll have to close my business and abandon my responsibilities to my employees and my community for 1 week or even longer in order to help my family and community. The funds collected will be used for travel expenses and supplies to be taken to Puerto Rico. I will be withdrawing the money into my personal account and taking cash with me after buying supplies in USA. We will be purchasing the remainig supplies once in Puerto Rico (groceries, gas, etc). We will also be purchasing airline tickets for my parents to return to USA with us. The recovery will be long, but I know Puerto Rico is STRONG.
No donation is too small, every penny counts. All funds will be used to get me and my brother there and to help the local community.
With sincere Love,
Marisel San Miguel
On September 20th, 2017 Puerto Rico, a 35 x 110 miles island in the Caribbean, was hit by Maria - a category 5 hurricane. The damages to the island have been catastrophic, like nothing seen since 1928. At this time, the entire island is without power and communication. Wind and water damage was devastating to the island. It’s estimated 4 to 6 months before power and water is reestablished to some rural areas. My family is located in Ciales, in the center of the island, in the mountains. The western eye wall went through my home town leaving the town flooded and collapsed bridges. I was able to learn my parents are well; but I have no way to get in touch with them. No one expected Maria to bring so much devastation to the island.
The current situation in PR: airport open limited hours for military and humanitarian help. Commercial flights are limited and not available until Sept 26th. So many people have been affected by this that is "neighbors helping neighbors". The Government is overwhelmed with the situation. Supplies are limited and people are literally fighting for their survival. I am not exaggerating, my friends.
I consider myself very modest person, and I hate to ask for help. But this circumstances are extreme for my family and my community.
My brother and I are trying to get to San Juan ASAP. We plan to bring supplies and help out parents, family and neighbors. We have a vague idea of what we will find once we arrive. I'll have to close my business and abandon my responsibilities to my employees and my community for 1 week or even longer in order to help my family and community. The funds collected will be used for travel expenses and supplies to be taken to Puerto Rico. I will be withdrawing the money into my personal account and taking cash with me after buying supplies in USA. We will be purchasing the remainig supplies once in Puerto Rico (groceries, gas, etc). We will also be purchasing airline tickets for my parents to return to USA with us. The recovery will be long, but I know Puerto Rico is STRONG.
No donation is too small, every penny counts. All funds will be used to get me and my brother there and to help the local community.
With sincere Love,
Marisel San Miguel
Organizer
Marisel San Miguel
Organizer
Opelika, AL
