Hello, my name is Matthew Catalano and I am fundraising for my Fiancee Stefania and her parents Carlos and Julia who were involved in an accident.

On August 22nd in Buga, Colombia, a delivery driver on a motorcycle ran a stop sign and collided with Stefania's Parents, who were also on a motorcycle making a short trip. They were both thrown from the bike and suffered multiple injuries. Julia suffered a broken collarbone, broken cheekbone, 5 broken ribs, and a punctured lung. Carlos suffered a broken collarbone, 3 broken ribs, and some broken fingers. Strangers passing by were even attempting to steal the jewelry and purse of her mother while she lay motionless on the street. The helmets they wore saved their lives.

Colombia does not have any unemployment, and both Carlos and Julia were working for themselves so they won't have access to any compensation. The delivery driver was a young 18 year old kid so it is highly unlikely they will receive any compensation/assistance for the fact that they are both now incapacitated for 4+ months and cannot work.

Stefania is taking care of them everyday doing all the cooking, cleaning, and housework, while also trying to prepare for her Visa and medical interviews to enter the United States. A process we have been working on for 2 years, due to delays from Covid.

The goal is to raise money to cover food and rent for 4 months while they heal and are unable to work. The US dollar goes a long way in Colombia, so anything and everything helps! Thank you so much for the consideration and please reach out to me or Stefania if you have any questions! We will provide updates.

Allocation of Funds:

• (4) months of rent = $350x4 = 1400
• (4) months of food for 2-3 people = 1600
• Anything left over will be used to hire care giver/nurse assistant while Stefania is away for 8 days in Bogota for her Visa interviews/medical appointments at the US Embassy

Transfer of Funds:

• I will withdraw funds and sent them via paypal directly to Stefania's Family.

*Update 8/22 - Julia underwent (2) successful surgeries for her collarbone and punctured lung.

**Update 8/23 - Carlos underwent successful surgery for his collarbone

***Update 8/24 - Both Parents were able to return home. They have their arms in slings and need help performing basic tasks like getting dressed/showering/moving. Currently Stefania is taking care of them full time, but has her Visa appointments coming up Sept. 21-29th.