Help Our Family Recover After the Earthquakes in Venezuela

My name is Daraiza Gutierrez, although many of you know me as Miss D from May River Montessori. Every day, I have the privilege of sharing my life with so many wonderful children and families. Today, I am reaching out not as a teacher, but as a daughter, a niece, and a family member asking for help.

Last week was incredibly difficult. After Wednesday, it was hard to be present at work while my heart was in Venezuela, desperately trying to reach my family after two devastating earthquakes, measuring 7.1 and 7.5, struck on June 24.

The epicenter directly affected the city where my mother and my entire maternal family live.

Our family has suffered unimaginable losses. We have lost four beloved family members, and one of my cousins remains hospitalized, fighting for her recovery.

Two families have lost their homes completely. Eight elderly relatives, all over the age of 80—including my mother—are living in homes that have been severely damaged and are no longer safe. We are doing everything we can to relocate them to safer places.

This GoFundMe has been created to help our family with the urgent needs they now face, including:

* Funeral and cremation expenses for our loved ones.

* Temporary housing and rent for those who lost their homes.

* Clean drinking water, which currently has to be delivered by tanker trucks.

* Food, medications, and other basic necessities.

* Emergency supplies and any additional expenses that arise as they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.

Many of our relatives are sleeping outside because their homes are unsafe to enter. They are facing each day with uncertainty, hoping that one day life will return to some sense of normalcy.

If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, your kindness will make a real difference. If you cannot donate, simply sharing this campaign or keeping my family in your prayers would mean more than words can express.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your love, your support, and for standing with my family during one of the hardest moments we have ever faced.

With gratitude,

D ❤️