(Lea en español abajo)

Hello, we are Krista Hawkins (Florida) and Ive Colon (Puerto Rico), and we are raising funds to help our dear friends Joan Lugo and Hector Rodriguez, who lost their home as a result of the storm surge that happened in Tampa Bay caused by Hurricane Helene. Water filled their home waist-high, and we are incredibly grateful that Hector, Joan, and their family were safely rescued by boat and are alive and well.

However, the aftermath of the hurricane has left them with an overwhelming sense of loss. Not only is their home unlivable, but they have also lost all of their possessions, including their beloved pony who was unable to get to higher ground when the family was trapped inside the house. They are now faced with rebuilding their home as well as replacing all the essentials for their basic needs. If you know Hector and Joan personally, then you know they would never ask for money. They are incredibly humble people and are usually the ones helping and giving to others. They now need our help.

We've had so many people asking us how they can help, so we are setting up this GoFundMe as a start. The funds will help them get the supplies they need for their basic needs, rebuild their home and make it livable again, and replace their possessions they lost. Please keep Hector, Joan, and their family in your prayers as they begin rebuilding their lives and recovering from all they have lost.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a significant difference in helping Joan and Hector get back on their feet. Thank you all, and please spread the word to anyone who may want to help.

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Hola! Somos Krista Hawkins e Ive Colon. Estamos recaudando fondos para nuestros amigos Joan Lugo y Hector Rodriguez, ya que perdieron su casa como resultado de la marejada ciclónica que ocurrió en la Bahía de Tampa, causada por el Huracán Helene. Estamos agradecidos de que Hector, Joan y su familia hayan sido rescatados en bote de su hogar; sin embargo, lo perdieron absolutamente todo, hasta su amado caballo, que no pudo llegar a un lugar más alto cuando la familia quedó atrapada dentro de la casa.

Ahora se enfrentan a la reconstrucción de su hogar y a la sustitución de todos los elementos esenciales para sus necesidades básicas. Si conoces personalmente a Joan o a Hector, sabes que nunca pedirían dinero. Son dos seres increíblemente humildes y siempre prestos a ayudar a los demás. Ahora necesitan nuestra ayuda. Muchas personas nos han preguntado cómo pueden ayudar; es por esto que estamos comenzando este Go Fund Me. Por favor, mantengan a Joan, Hector y su familia en sus oraciones en este proceso, mientras comienzan a reconstruir sus vidas y recuperar algo de todo lo que han perdido.

Cada donación, no importa la cantidad, marcará una diferencia significativa en su proceso de recuperación. Gracias a todos; por favor, compartan con sus amigos para que aquellos que así lo sientan puedan aportar su granito de arena.