Claue Schreffler-Algofera Memorial Fund

In a moment the pleasant afternoon turned into every parent's nightmare. Michelle, and her daughter Claue, loved going to the river together. They had left everything behind in the Philippines to start a new life in central Pennsylvania, along the Susquehanna, and this isn't an easy transition. Rippling water is therapeutic. After a long winter I'm sure they were happy for the spring weather, out with baby brother (five months old) and just enjoying the moment with friends. All this would come to a abrupt end.

Ten-year-old Claue, who can't swim, slipped and got swept away in the current. Her two friends trying to save her. Michelle, seeing it all unfold, no doubt horrified, left her son in the stroller and dove in after her daughter quickly being drawn to the dam. All of them would go over. This particular type of dam is notorious for trapping victims and nearly got Michelle. Fortunately someone pulled her out. But, with Claue not emerging, she was distraught, she was taken away in an ambulance and has been hospitalized since then due to broken heart syndrome.

This family has just been getting on its feet in the past few months. They welcomed a new member, a little brother for Claue, back in November, and gotten through that pile of paperwork and financial hardships of legal immigration. Kevin, who suffers from back issues and the associated chronic pain has been clawing away at bills. And Michelle as well. Now their world is shattered. He has been at his wife's side as she works through the anguish. They need our support.

Claue has yet to be found. At this point we only expect to find her lifeless body despite our hope and prayers. But the trauma will go on long after for Michelle and we can at least do a little to lift the financial strain of this emotionally turbulent time. So I've set this account up for general expenses and in hopes that we raise enough that Michelle is able to get that much needed break. There hasn't been opportunity for her go visit her family in the Philippines. Beyond that there is likely to be funeral expenses.

I've seen hundreds of thousands raised for far less worthy causes. I hope we can go well beyond. Please share.