Hi my name is Paula Zabawa.

Let me introduce you to Celianne Larosa. Aunt Cici, as we fondly call her, is 94 years young.

Unfortunately, Aunt Cici’s home foundation completely collapsed on one side of the house in the recent 100-year rain event in Omaha on September 30. Her home is uninhabitable. Her basement filled completely with water, mud and debris so all the home’s mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems in the basement need to be replaced. Her home insurance does not cover flood events.

Cici has limited means. She survives on her late husband Matteo’s railroad retirement and has limited cash savings. Cici’s main asset is her home which is now at risk of being worthless unless we act now and quickly. Cici was looking to use the equity in her home to fund her care in a move to an assisted living facility.

The home’s foundation needs to be rebuilt on one side. The home has been stabilized with shoring and the basement completely gutted to the walls and ceiling. This was a major endeavor. All debris and mud have been removed. Alls that is left is the stairs. We are working on getting the foundation wall rebuilt and a plan for the HVAC, plumbing and electrical in place.

Mike and I have decided to start this Go Fund Me page to raise money for the stabilization, cleanup and home repair to get the home habitable again. This will cost well over $50,000. Cici does not have the means to pay for this. It is uncertain what federal or other aid could help but we know the maximums available would not cover these costs and could be many months down the road if they were even available to provide financial assistance.

Cici and Matteo opened their home to our extended family hosting family events for many decades, served their community in many ways over the years and deserve our unwavering support.

We are seeding the fund with $1,500. We would appreciate a $100 gift to support the restoration of Cici's home. If this is not possible, Cici would appreciate any size gift.

Cici is a friendly, warm wonderful person and know she is in our thoughts and prayers during this unprecedented, difficult time.

Please reach out to me if you have questions, would like to share your time and talents in the restoration or other ideas we can use to help Cici. We would welcome them.

Please reach out to Mike with any ideas on the restoration as he is coordinating this.

Many thanks and God Bless!

Paula and Mike Zabawa