update that is needed for the gofundme team to allow Luz to access bank transfer:

This fundraiser is organized by Jennifer Griola on behalf of Luz Cubero, a family friend. Luz - mom of thr Cubero- Duarte family will use the donations to help pay for necessities in the aftermath of the fire, accommodation, clothing, food and vet care.

Hi, my name is Jennifer, I'm a local mom who is raising money for the Duarte-Cubero family who sadly lost their home, their belongings and their 8-month old rescue kitten in a tragic house fire on Friday, February 9, 2024.

The family is in need of immediate cash to pay for food, replace smoke-damaged belongings/clothing, purchase necessities and provide veterinarian care for their dog, Cody.

This proud, kind, hard-working immigrant family has been raising their triplets in West Orange, New Jersey for the past 12 years. Luz "Luci" Neraida Cubero, is a teachers aide/paraprofessional at West Orange High School and has helped countless special education students and their families overcome obstacles and find success. Jose Javier Duarte is a landscaper who immigrated from Uruguay and met Luci, who came to NYC from Puerto Rico.

They worked hard, saved money, and were overjoyed, if not slightly overwhelmed, when their triplets, Adrian, Alex, and Javier were born. They, like many families in our community, relocated from NYC to West Orange for the excellent schools, strong sense of community, diversity, and to own their own home. They settled in the BelAir neighborhood, near Liberty Middle School where the kids could play basketball with neighborhood kids, ride their bikes and be kids.

Through the years, the boys have participated in many activities in town, playing tennis, piano, soccer, etc. Now 17, Adrian works at the McDonalds on Northfield, Alex works at the Wendy's in East Hanover, and Javier is a member of the WOHS chess club, a piano player, and nature enthusiast. The family also has Cody, an eight-year-old dog who was rescued from the fire, but will need veterinarian care for a cough he developed as a result of being exposed to the smoke.

Sadly, their rescue kitten, 8-month-old, Sosa Rocky, who had been neutered two days previously, perished in the fire. Because he had been neutered he was closed into a bedroom to keep him separated from the dog. The fire broke out in the bedroom the kitten was sequestered in during the school day. When Javier got off the school bus after school neighbors had gathered to watch as firefighters brought the fire under control and rescued the family dog, Cody. It was devastating.

The American Red Cross has put the family up in the West Orange Willshire Grand hotel near WOHS. The insurance company is working with a contractor to assess the damage and rebuild the home. Sadly they has recently finished renovations.

They were able to salvage some personal belongings from the home, but they are heavily smoke damaged and likely will be a total loss.

Estimates for the repairs are 8-12 weeks. The family will need to purchase meals, personal care, clothing, etc. and care for their dog during this time. Donations are extremely appreciated.

Thank you for you consideration and assistance.