Help for 16 year old Herson Cruz
Donation protected
Update: Thursday, February 7
Dear All,
We will hold a gathering in memory of Rheannon and in support of Herson at the Patterson Park pond on Thursday, February 14 at 6 pm.
We look forward to celebrating Rheannon's life with her friends and family.
Update Wednesday January 31
Dear All,
I am writing with the sad news that Rheannon Pierson-Shaffer passed away on Tuesday, January 29th.
We are grateful to the Johns Hopkins Surgical Intensive Care Unit medical team for doing all they could to treat Rheannon, and then all they could to keep her as comfortable as possible. And we are grateful to all of you who visited Rheannon in the hospital or donated to this campaign. Howie Webb is taking care of Herson and reports that Herson is doing as well as can be expected. No child should have to lose a parent but with the love of so many we will help Herson navigate this tragedy.
I will update this page with information on funeral/memorial plans in the coming days.
Update Sunday January 20
Dear All,
I am writing now to provide an update on Herson and Rheannon. Herson was able to visit his mother twice last week, although she was non-responsive at the time. He is such an amazing young man. After spending a couple days back in Baltimore, Herson decided to return to his boarding school. On Friday, Howie, Garrett and I drove up to see Herson preform in his school's dance recital. He was so graceful and he made us all so proud.
Rheannon remains in the hospital. Last Monday it seemed she would not survive the day. It's been a week since then, proving that none of us can predict the future. Rheannon still has end stage liver disease and this cannot change, absent a transplant. However, she has become more responsive, for which we are thankful.
Thank you so much to those of you who donated. The funds helped cover the costs of a family law lawyer, who will ensure that Rheannon's and Herson's wishes are carried out with respect to Herson's guardianship. We are extremely grateful for your help. We continue to raise funds for the eventuality of a funeral. Many thanks for your support, kindness, and love. Sincerely, Elizabeth
Original Note, Posted Tuesday, January 15:
Hi folks. This is Elizabeth Letourneau writing to ask for your support for Herson Cruz. Since 5th grade, Herson has been a part of my and Rob's family - our "chosen" family. He is as smart, kind and hard working a boy as you could ever hope to meet. Truly. Herson was raised by his mother who succumbed to end stage liver disease and - as I write - is finishing out her final hours in the surgical intensive care unit. We are raising funds now to cover her funeral costs and the legal fees associated with establishing permanent guardianship. Herson has a strong circle of support and it was his mother's wish - and it is his own wish - that his guardianship transfer to her best friend, Mr. Howard Webb. Howie is a long-time family friend and will make a wonderful guardian. Rob and I will continue to support Herson in any way we can. We estimate that funeral costs will run about $6,000-$8,000 and that guardianship-related legal fees will run $5,000-$7,000. Thus, we hope to raise $15,000 to cover these expenses. Any remaining funds will go in an account for Herson to support his living and school expenses. I hope you will consider making a donation and that you will share this campaign with others who might support it.
Dear All,
We will hold a gathering in memory of Rheannon and in support of Herson at the Patterson Park pond on Thursday, February 14 at 6 pm.
We look forward to celebrating Rheannon's life with her friends and family.
Update Wednesday January 31
Dear All,
I am writing with the sad news that Rheannon Pierson-Shaffer passed away on Tuesday, January 29th.
We are grateful to the Johns Hopkins Surgical Intensive Care Unit medical team for doing all they could to treat Rheannon, and then all they could to keep her as comfortable as possible. And we are grateful to all of you who visited Rheannon in the hospital or donated to this campaign. Howie Webb is taking care of Herson and reports that Herson is doing as well as can be expected. No child should have to lose a parent but with the love of so many we will help Herson navigate this tragedy.
I will update this page with information on funeral/memorial plans in the coming days.
Update Sunday January 20
Dear All,
I am writing now to provide an update on Herson and Rheannon. Herson was able to visit his mother twice last week, although she was non-responsive at the time. He is such an amazing young man. After spending a couple days back in Baltimore, Herson decided to return to his boarding school. On Friday, Howie, Garrett and I drove up to see Herson preform in his school's dance recital. He was so graceful and he made us all so proud.
Rheannon remains in the hospital. Last Monday it seemed she would not survive the day. It's been a week since then, proving that none of us can predict the future. Rheannon still has end stage liver disease and this cannot change, absent a transplant. However, she has become more responsive, for which we are thankful.
Thank you so much to those of you who donated. The funds helped cover the costs of a family law lawyer, who will ensure that Rheannon's and Herson's wishes are carried out with respect to Herson's guardianship. We are extremely grateful for your help. We continue to raise funds for the eventuality of a funeral. Many thanks for your support, kindness, and love. Sincerely, Elizabeth
Original Note, Posted Tuesday, January 15:
Hi folks. This is Elizabeth Letourneau writing to ask for your support for Herson Cruz. Since 5th grade, Herson has been a part of my and Rob's family - our "chosen" family. He is as smart, kind and hard working a boy as you could ever hope to meet. Truly. Herson was raised by his mother who succumbed to end stage liver disease and - as I write - is finishing out her final hours in the surgical intensive care unit. We are raising funds now to cover her funeral costs and the legal fees associated with establishing permanent guardianship. Herson has a strong circle of support and it was his mother's wish - and it is his own wish - that his guardianship transfer to her best friend, Mr. Howard Webb. Howie is a long-time family friend and will make a wonderful guardian. Rob and I will continue to support Herson in any way we can. We estimate that funeral costs will run about $6,000-$8,000 and that guardianship-related legal fees will run $5,000-$7,000. Thus, we hope to raise $15,000 to cover these expenses. Any remaining funds will go in an account for Herson to support his living and school expenses. I hope you will consider making a donation and that you will share this campaign with others who might support it.
Organizer
Elizabeth Letourneau
Organizer
Baltimore, MD