Over twenty years ago, my sister and her family met an incredible family in the mountains of Jamaica while on vacation. What started as a chance encounter quickly grew into a lifelong friendship — our families became one.

The youngest child, Tiana, later came to live with my sister while attending post-secondary school — an opportunity made possible by the bond our families share. Her older brother, Romario, has always been the heart of the family — warm, generous, and endlessly kind. Anyone who meets him is touched by his genuine spirit and his trademark smile. Over the years, he’s become like a brother to us.

Today, Romario is married with a young family of his own, building the same loving, hard-working life he’s always dreamed of. But the recent hurricane that tore through Jamaica has taken everything. His home, his mother’s home, and his grandmother’s home have all been destroyed.

Much of the family works at the local airport, which has also suffered severe damage. With tourism — Jamaica’s main source of income — at a standstill, recovery will be slow and difficult.

We’re raising funds to help Romario and his family rebuild: to give them a safe place to sleep, food to eat, and hope for tomorrow.

Jamaica has given our family so much love over the years. The photo above was just from this April when 30 of us visited. Now, it’s our turn to give back. Even the smallest donation can make a world of difference.