Last year, my daughter Layla met her kindred spirit — a girl named Seana — while we were in Jamaica. The two of them became inseparable, performing together in the nightly shows, laughing until bedtime, and forming a friendship that stretched across oceans. Since then, they’ve been pen pals — sending notes, videos, and stories about school and dreams for the future.

This past week, Seana’s family lost everything when Hurricane Melissa devastated their hometown of Negril. Her mother, Theresa, suffered a leg injury while weathering the storm and the family feared for their lives. Their home was destroyed, the roof blown off and serious structural damage making it unlivable.

They are surviving on faith and the kindness of neighbors, but local assistance has been slow to mobilize as the island begins its long recovery.

We’re hoping to raise funds to help Seana’s family [Sean, Theresa, Sabrina, Seana (9 yo) and Massannie (6 yo)] find immediate shelter, replace essentials, and start rebuilding their lives. Every contribution — no matter how small — will go directly to Seana’s family for their recovery needs.

What’s been so beautiful over the past year is watching two little girls, from different countries and cultures, find common ground in friendship, imagination, and hope. Now, Layla wants to do everything she can to help her friend — and we’re hoping you’ll join us.

Thank you for helping this family begin again. ❤️

The logistics: I'm Melinda R in Rockville, MD and we're connected to this family via a penpal relationship our daughters started last year. I'm collecting donations on their behalf as GoFundMe does not yet send directly to Jamaica. Everything we collect will be sent to the family for their immediate shelter and life essential needs post hurricane.