Mom, Claudia Jerez a loving Mother,

On Friday, August 8 me and my mom flew into La guardia airport for a mini mother daughter bonding trip. We made plans to go to the Dominican day parade in New York City. Sunday came and we were super excited to go. My mom was getting ready and at some point I walked over to her and I saw she was having difficulty putting her sneakers on. Even my mom couldn’t understand why she wasn’t able to. She then said aloud “ why can’t I put my shoes on? I noticed her face looked droopy on one side and that’s when we let her friend know so we were like okay we are going to the hospital so then she layed down and tried to feel better but woke up and had was slurring when she spoke and that’s when we all freaked out and went to the hospital and at that point my mothers left side was paralyzed.

It turns out that my mom had a stroke and is now admitted in the hospital in New Jersey. I am the oldest sibling.(19) of five. Jael 17,somaira 15, Jazzmin 13 amd Jaheem 10. I’m getting ready to start my second year of college while working. While working a part-time job as a receptionist at a apartment complex so that I can pay for my for my own expenses, such as car insurance, etc., to help about my parents. this is a very scary time for me and my family, especially being so far away from home. We have no family in New Jersey., and. my dad is unable to travel at this time. I know that I am going to have to step up and be here for my mom. I may have to put School on hold and possibly quit my job so that I can be by my mom‘s side. The doctor say my mom will have to stay at the hospital for several weeks because she has to have surgery in her brain. It’s very scary not knowing what comes next or where I will stay . I am trying to be strong for my mom and for my younger siblings too. I hope and pray that my mom will make a full recovery. I am grateful for any help for this will go towards flights for me to travel back-and-forth from Florida to New Jersey and a place for me to stay that is close to the hospital and any medical expenses for my mom.