- S
- A
- C
Please read and share.
I want to take a moment to share the devastating experience of my best friend, Paloma Puente.
Just a few nights ago, her life changed in the blink of an eye. Paloma was working this summer as a counselor at Camp Mystic. She had never worked at a summer camp before and was excited for the experience. However, on the early morning of July 4th flash floods hit the camp and chaos struck almost instantaneously. Paloma (being 19 herself) was thrust into a situation where she was now responsible for 17 ten-year-old girls. In total darkness, with water rising fast and little girls screaming in fear, Paloma and her co-counselors acted without hesitation.
They got the girls out of the flooded cabin — through windows, through the chest high water, and up to safety high ground. Paloma didn’t stop until she knew every single one of her girls was okay. They waited in the dark and prayed for a way out. Paloma never once showed fear and remained the strong leader that her girls so desperately needed. However, underneath the strong front she was just a scared young girl herself.
Paloma saved lives that night. She put the safety of those 17 kids before her own and by the grace of God her and her 17 girls survived.
However, she walked away with nothing but the clothes she was wearing. Everything she owned — her computer, bedding, clothes, shoes, and so many other cherished possessions— was destroyed. All of her belongings are unsalvageable, but still she remains strong and unwavering.
Paloma is relentless and her act of bravery should not, and will not, go unseen. Paloma is a student at UT Austin, working hard to put herself through school. She’s selfless, caring, and the kind of person who never asks for help — which is why I’m asking for her.
We’re trying to raise funds to help Paloma:
This camp was never just a job to her, but rather a sense of family. However, the tragedy will now forever be engrained in her memory. The goal is to try and show Paloma just how proud we are of her bravery and undeterred determination to put others first.
This experience was a true test of character and I could not imagine someone more fit to carry out this fearless act than Paloma. Please help in reminding her that she is not alone. Every little bit makes a difference — whether that’s $5, $50, or just sharing this with someone who might be able to help.
Paloma showed up for 17 little girls when they needed her most. Please if you are able, show up for her when she needs help the most.
I want to take a moment to share the devastating experience of my best friend, Paloma Puente.
Just a few nights ago, her life changed in the blink of an eye. Paloma was working this summer as a counselor at Camp Mystic. She had never worked at a summer camp before and was excited for the experience. However, on the early morning of July 4th flash floods hit the camp and chaos struck almost instantaneously. Paloma (being 19 herself) was thrust into a situation where she was now responsible for 17 ten-year-old girls. In total darkness, with water rising fast and little girls screaming in fear, Paloma and her co-counselors acted without hesitation.
They got the girls out of the flooded cabin — through windows, through the chest high water, and up to safety high ground. Paloma didn’t stop until she knew every single one of her girls was okay. They waited in the dark and prayed for a way out. Paloma never once showed fear and remained the strong leader that her girls so desperately needed. However, underneath the strong front she was just a scared young girl herself.
Paloma saved lives that night. She put the safety of those 17 kids before her own and by the grace of God her and her 17 girls survived.
However, she walked away with nothing but the clothes she was wearing. Everything she owned — her computer, bedding, clothes, shoes, and so many other cherished possessions— was destroyed. All of her belongings are unsalvageable, but still she remains strong and unwavering.
Paloma is relentless and her act of bravery should not, and will not, go unseen. Paloma is a student at UT Austin, working hard to put herself through school. She’s selfless, caring, and the kind of person who never asks for help — which is why I’m asking for her.
We’re trying to raise funds to help Paloma:
- Replace basic essentials like clothes, shoes, bedding, and hygiene items
- Start to recover emotionally from everything she went through
- Afford to fund tuition and schooling as she no longer has a job
This camp was never just a job to her, but rather a sense of family. However, the tragedy will now forever be engrained in her memory. The goal is to try and show Paloma just how proud we are of her bravery and undeterred determination to put others first.
This experience was a true test of character and I could not imagine someone more fit to carry out this fearless act than Paloma. Please help in reminding her that she is not alone. Every little bit makes a difference — whether that’s $5, $50, or just sharing this with someone who might be able to help.
Paloma showed up for 17 little girls when they needed her most. Please if you are able, show up for her when she needs help the most.