Brenda Ocasio/Hurricane Flood Damage

Our hearts have been heavy from the devastation that our beloved island suffered. Many of us in the states have anguished over the lack of communication with loved ones and the difficulties of getting aid to them. Fortunately, little by little we are connecting and receiving word. I pray your loved ones are well and encouraged by the overwhelming love and support demonstrated particularly by the Boricua community worldwide. Our families, friends and the island will rebuild. And to that end, I invite you to an opportunity to help one of our own. Our dear friend Brenda Ocasio and her family were amongst those whose homes were flooded in Toa Baja. She and her family had to seek refuge and were trapped on their second level as night fell. Rescues were slow but they eventually made it to safe ground. I can attest to the anguish those two days brought me. But it all pales in comparison to what Brenda and her family endured. Grateful and focused solely on the importance of being alive, getting back home and taking inventory of the damage was overwhelming for Brenda. It must be incredibly difficult to reconcile the loss of all your personal effects, beds, furniture, appliances, cars, everything. Where to even begin to clean up, fix, replace, restore. With everything lost, I ask you to please help Brenda to not only rebuild but maintain as the island struggles to get back to some sense of normal. Any amount you can give is immensely appreciated.

Connie E. Smith-Matos and Annie Rosa