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My name is Cristobal Aybar. I represent the Santiago and Aybar family in Tampa, FL. We are reaching out on behalf of the Padilla family who is in desperate need of assistance to help rebuild their home.
My family and I came to know the Padilla family through the Padilla’s children who were attending the local high school where my two nieces were also attending. It was my sister, Maria Santiago, who called us to action about two months ago after she visited Maria Padilla at her home in Wesley Chapel. At that time, my sister took notice that some cabinets were missing from the Kitchen wall. She soon learned that the cabinets had fallen off due to the wood rotting in the walls. She also learned that there were leaks in the roof over the kitchen, living room, as well as the master bedroom.
The reason we are so excited and moved to help Maria Padilla and her family is because of her integrity and example. There was “stuff” we collectively knew about the Padilla family from interactions with their children in prior years, but I had never actually visited their home. Maria Padilla is humble to say the least. She is a hardworking, dedicated, and selfless person. In fact, Maria Padilla never asked for help. This was completely my idea. Why? I felt it was my responsibility.
Jose and Maria Padilla emigrated from Mexico to the United Stated in 1980. Their story starts in Houston, TX where they first relocated in search of work and the promise of opportunity for their children. Due to unemployment, they eventually moved further east to Tampa, FL in search of work; where they managed to purchase an old, used 3-bedroom mobile home placed on a stretch of private property. The Padilla family is also proud to have two of its children enlisted in the armed forces and having served in our nation’s military and overseas in Iraq.
Today, Maria Padilla, 65 is a part-time employee for Pasco County Schools where she works in the cafeteria. Jose Padilla, 61 is hardly in any shape to continue construction work as he’s had a previous injury as well as a recent stroke from which he still suffers.
A few weeks into October, I visited the Padilla’s home to see for myself. I didn’t think it could be as bad as my sister had reported; except it was worse than she reported. In my initial assessment, I found rotting floor boards, the walls surrounding the home were rotting, the entire roof needed replacement, the appliances were unusable, and the electric wiring was completely unreliable. The 2x4 studs that I found holding up the ceiling were enough to convince me that something, anything, needed to be done to help this family.
There are no words to describe the gratitude that Maria Padilla and her family feel for the help and assistance provided so far. Please help.
As for me and my family, Santiago and Aybar, we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the life of Maria Padilla, her family and their home.
My family and I came to know the Padilla family through the Padilla’s children who were attending the local high school where my two nieces were also attending. It was my sister, Maria Santiago, who called us to action about two months ago after she visited Maria Padilla at her home in Wesley Chapel. At that time, my sister took notice that some cabinets were missing from the Kitchen wall. She soon learned that the cabinets had fallen off due to the wood rotting in the walls. She also learned that there were leaks in the roof over the kitchen, living room, as well as the master bedroom.
The reason we are so excited and moved to help Maria Padilla and her family is because of her integrity and example. There was “stuff” we collectively knew about the Padilla family from interactions with their children in prior years, but I had never actually visited their home. Maria Padilla is humble to say the least. She is a hardworking, dedicated, and selfless person. In fact, Maria Padilla never asked for help. This was completely my idea. Why? I felt it was my responsibility.
Jose and Maria Padilla emigrated from Mexico to the United Stated in 1980. Their story starts in Houston, TX where they first relocated in search of work and the promise of opportunity for their children. Due to unemployment, they eventually moved further east to Tampa, FL in search of work; where they managed to purchase an old, used 3-bedroom mobile home placed on a stretch of private property. The Padilla family is also proud to have two of its children enlisted in the armed forces and having served in our nation’s military and overseas in Iraq.
Today, Maria Padilla, 65 is a part-time employee for Pasco County Schools where she works in the cafeteria. Jose Padilla, 61 is hardly in any shape to continue construction work as he’s had a previous injury as well as a recent stroke from which he still suffers.
A few weeks into October, I visited the Padilla’s home to see for myself. I didn’t think it could be as bad as my sister had reported; except it was worse than she reported. In my initial assessment, I found rotting floor boards, the walls surrounding the home were rotting, the entire roof needed replacement, the appliances were unusable, and the electric wiring was completely unreliable. The 2x4 studs that I found holding up the ceiling were enough to convince me that something, anything, needed to be done to help this family.
There are no words to describe the gratitude that Maria Padilla and her family feel for the help and assistance provided so far. Please help.
As for me and my family, Santiago and Aybar, we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the life of Maria Padilla, her family and their home.
Organizer and beneficiary
Maria Padilla
Beneficiary