In September, we had the incredible honor of traveling to Jamaica to attend our dear friend April Wray’s wedding. It was our first time visiting the island, and we instantly fell in love with the breathtaking beauty of Jamaica , the warmth of the people, and the vibrant culture that made the entire trip unforgettable. It was also my son’s first international trip, and experiencing Jamaica together created memories we’ll cherish forever.

When we learned about the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, our hearts broke. The storm not only destroyed the very hotel where we stayed, but it also deeply affected the lives of so many people we met and grew to love, especially April’s family in St. Ann. We wanted to do something meaningful to show our support and express our condolences to April and her loved ones as they begin to rebuild their lives after such a tragic event.

This GoFundMe has been created specifically to help April Wray’s family in St. Ann, Jamaica, who have been directly impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Below is a full explanation of how all funds will be managed and distributed, in the spirit of transparency for everyone who donates.

Who will oversee the withdrawal of funds and where they are going:

All funds raised through this campaign will be withdrawn by April Wray. The donations will go directly into April’s personal bank account, which she will use exclusively for this fundraiser. From there, April will send the funds to her family members in St. Ann, Jamaica, using Western Union.

Who is managing the funds and their relationship to the individuals:

April Wray will be fully responsible for managing, tracking, and distributing the funds. She is raising these funds solely for her immediate and extended family members in St. Ann who were directly affected by Hurricane Melissa. April will personally ensure that each family member receives their share of the donations and that the money is used responsibly and according to their most urgent needs.

How the funds will be used and distributed:

The funds will be distributed as direct financial assistance to April’s family members in Jamaica. The money will help them purchase food, clean water, clothing, building materials, and medical supplies, as well as assist with home repairs and recovery efforts. April will divide the funds fairly among her relatives based on the severity of damage and individual needs. In cases where specific emergencies arise, such as home reconstruction or healthcare costs, those needs will be prioritized.

Timeline for aid distribution:

We will continue to accept donations until MARCH 1st 2026, and funds will be transferred to April’s family on an ongoing basis as donations are received. This ensures that aid reaches them as quickly as possible while allowing continued support throughout the recovery process. Updates will be shared here to keep everyone informed on how the funds are being used and how the family is doing.

On behalf of April and her family in St. Ann, we are so grateful for every donation, message, and share. Your kindness means more than words can express. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps this amazing family rebuild and move forward with hope after such heartbreaking loss.

This has been setup by Jenn a friend of April’s from NY.