In Memory of Frankie Romero

UPDATE: Thank you to our supporters and community for all your donations, as well as to the local company that offered to cover the costs of Frankie's ceremony <3

At just 15 years old, Alyssa is faced with an unimaginable pain that no one that age should ever have to endure - the devastating loss of their twin, Frankie.

Frankie was a bright and talented 15 year old whose life was tragically cut short after collapsing suddenly in front of their mother, friends, and teammates during swimming practice on December 1st. This unbearable tragedy has left Frankie's twin, Alyssa, heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with immense grief and loss.

Alyssa and Frankie shared an unbreakable bond that went beyond being twins - they were best friends and confidantes. From the moment they were born, they were inseparable, they took their first steps together, learned to talk and giggle together, and as teenagers they learned to nurture and support each others’ dreams. Together, they dreamed of a future filled with shared adventures, laughter, and unconditional love.

In life, Frankie was blessed with a caring, dedicated family who constantly surrounded and showered their baby with love, which makes Frankie's loss all the more devastating and unsurmountable for the many people whose lives she touched with her shining and peaceful spirit. No parent should have to bury their child, and there were many people who saw Frankie as their baby and inconsolably grieve this loss:

Frankie’s mother, Alessandra, held Frankie's legs as the doctor told her "we've done everything we can." She is broken and her spirit is shattered as she navigates the heartbreaking journey of arranging a funeral for her beloved child.

She navigated much of Frankie and Alyssa’s childhood as a single mom, and relied on the care and support of Frankie’s grandmother (her mom), Celeste, and Frankie’s grandfather (her dad), Dan, who played a critical role in raising Frankie and Alyssa into two talented, kindhearted, silly, and free-spirited young adults.

The tragedy also echoes through the life of Frankie’s uncle, Victor, who helped raise and support her. He cherished Frankie's vibrant energy and had dreams of shaping her future. He was one of her closest confidantes and role models, and anytime Victor, Frankie, and Alyssa got together, all three were infinitely full of life.

Frankie’s stepdad, Ryan, a pillar of strength for the family, is grappling with his own sorrow, striving to provide solace and pull the family together in this challenging time.

Every day and every moment is a painful reminder of the immeasurable void that Frankie’s absence has created in all their lives. As Venezuelan immigrants, their unwavering resilience has been tested countless times. But they were completely unprepared for the emotional and financial toll of saying goodbye to Frankie.

The sole purpose of this campaign is to provide Alyssa with the support they desperately need during this unimaginably difficult time and into the future. The funds raised through this campaign will be used to:

1. Ensure Alyssa can access the support and resources they need over time to navigate what it means to go on with a new life without their best friend and sister.

2. Help Alyssa’s mom shoulder the many unexpected expenses including for final arrangements, cremation, flying in family members, and more — a burden they never anticipated.

3. Provide Alyssa with educational resources, including college funding, to ensure that their academic progress does not suffer - in the short- and long-run - despite the upheaval in her life.

Your donation will empower Alyssa by providing the necessary resources and support to rebuild their life. By investing in Alyssa's well-being, you are helping Alyssa regain confidence, find their voice, and develop the strength and hope they need to move forward without our dear Frankie.

This campaign is a lifeline for a family grappling with grief, offering them the support to rebuild and find strength amidst the shattered pieces of their world.

The journey ahead for this family is painstakingly long. But together, we can show Alyssa that, even in the darkest hour, their family is not alone, and that they have a community of supporters who believe in Alyssa's strength and potential to face the future with hope, resilience, and determination. Your donation, no matter the size, will have a profound impact and provide a beacon of hope on the journey towards healing. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.