*Honoring Cynthia’s Heroism and Supporting the Ruiz-Salas Family Recovery*
*A Tragedy in the Bronx: An Infinite Act of Love*
On *January 25, 2026,* tragedy struck the heart of our community on Grand Avenue in the Bronx. Around 6:00 a.m., while the family was asleep, a devastating fire consumed their home.

In the midst of the flames and despair, *Josmil Salas* became the shield for her family. With superhuman determination, Josmil threw herself through the fire repeatedly to rescue her children—Jan, Janna, and Joel—from certain death. After getting her children to safety, Josmil desperately returned to the apartment to try to save her wife, *Cynthia Ruiz,* who was still trapped. In a fierce struggle against time and fire, Josmil fought to break windows to reach her; however, the thick, toxic smoke overcame Cynthia, causing her to lose consciousness. *Cynthia lost her life in this tragic fire, while Josmil now fights for her own after giving everything to save the ones she loves.*

*Current State of the Family: A Fight for Survival*
Today, the family faces not only the pain of an irreparable loss but also a critical struggle for survival:

*Josmil’s Sacrifice:* Due to her tireless struggle to rescue her children and wife, Josmil Salas suffered *second-degree burns on 90% of her body and is currently in the Burn Intensive Care Unit (ICU).*

*Total Loss:* The family lost absolutely everything: their home, clothing, belongings, and their economic livelihood.

*Trauma Recovery:* The children are currently in the process of recovering from this trauma and urgently need essential daily items.

How Will Your Donations Be Used?
Every dollar raised will go directly to an account managed for the children’s welfare and Josmil’s recovery, covering:

*Funeral Services:* To honor the memory and ultimate sacrifice of Cynthia Ruiz.

*Medical &amp; Recovery Expenses:* Funds for specialized burn treatment and long-term care for Josmil.

*Housing &amp; Food:* Rent payments, deposits for a new home, and basic living expenses while the family stabilizes.

*Essential Items:* Clothing, coats, and shoes for the children, who were left with only what they were wearing that morning.

*Transportation &amp; Logistics:* Travel costs for constant hospital visits and essential legal or administrative steps.

*Other Ways to Help*
If you are unable to make a financial donation, we ask that you:

*Share this link* with your friends, family, and community groups.

*Keep the family in your prayers.* Every gesture of support, no matter how small, is a ray of hope in this moment of darkness.

*Together, we can help this family rise again.* Thank you for your generosity and for honoring the memory of a mother and a hero who gave everything for her own.

*Your Help Makes a Difference!*
We ask the Bronx community and all people of good heart to help us spread this campaign. No donation is too small when it comes to rebuilding a life destroyed by fire. Thank you for your prayers and your kindness in this time of deep sorrow.

Melanie Rios

Amalia De la cruz

Anonymous

Laura Barker

Adam Wilkes

David Swenson

Jeffrey Lowenhaupt

Isabel Pichardo

GLORIA BURGOS

Denny Paulino

Alane Sosa

Katherine gomez

Linda Y Colon Rodriguez

Massiel Del Carpio

June Ellison

Madeline Gil

Valerie Baez

Honoring Cynthia and Support for Our Family

Honoring Cynthia and Support for Our Family

Still $1,065 to go. Help us build momentum.