Hi, my name is Michael Lourenco and I’m reaching out with a humble heart to ask for help preserving something incredibly meaningful to our family.

Our family home is located in Fajã São João, on the island of São Jorge in the Azores, Portugal. This home has been in our family for generations. It once belonged to our grandfather and was later passed down to our father, Jose Brasil Lourenco. For us, this house is far more than stone and wood—it represents our roots, our heritage, and the place where generations of our family began.

When our father inherited the home, he took on the responsibility with deep pride and love. He dreamed of restoring and rebuilding it so it could remain in our family for generations to come. São Jorge is known for its beauty, but also for its harsh and unpredictable weather. Despite this, our father dedicated countless hours to rebuilding the home, often working with his own hands, determined to protect it from the elements and give it new life.

Tragically, before he could finish what he started, our father passed away unexpectedly in his sleep due to a heart attack. His passing left our family heartbroken and changed our lives forever. He quite literally passed away while rebuilding this home—giving his time, strength, and heart to preserving it for us and for future generations.

The house now stands as one of the last tangible pieces we have left of him. Every wall, every stone, and every unfinished detail carries his presence and reminds us of his dedication and love for our family.

Unfortunately, part of the home was left unfinished, and the roof in particular was not constructed properly. It cannot withstand the strong winds, heavy rain, and storms common in the Azores. With each passing season, the damage worsens, and without urgent repairs, we risk losing the house entirely.

We are raising funds to replace the roof and protect the structure of the home so it can endure the harsh weather conditions of São Jorge and remain standing for years to come. All donations will go directly toward construction materials, skilled labor, and the necessary repairs to secure and preserve the house.

This fundraiser is about more than repairing a roof. It is about honoring Jose Brasil Lourenco, preserving our family’s legacy, and protecting a home filled with generations of love, history, and memories. Our father devoted so much of his life to rebuilding this house, and we are fighting with everything we have to finish what he started.

Any donation—no matter the size—means more than words can express. If you’re unable to donate, sharing our story would mean just as much. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for helping us honor our father’s memory by preserving the home he worked so hard to rebuild in Fajã São João, São Jorge.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Lourenco Family