College student's parents killed by Hurricane Sandy
Nov. 8, 2012
Location: Undisclosed, New Jersey
On Wednesday November 7th, a person who works in the same building as Wish Upon A Hero asked if us if we could help his friend's girlfriend, Zoe. Both of Zoe's parents were killed by Hurricane Sandy. Upon hearing the story, Wish Upon A Hero team instantly agreed to help. The wish verified by our team and posted towww.wishuponahero.com and in less than 24 hours over $56,000 was raise to help Zoe and her family. Below is Zoe's wish and her thank you to everyone who helped. Zoe would like other Hurricane Wishes to be help as well. www.hurricanewishes.com
Zoe's Wish
The Foundation will be assisting Zoe and her siblings. We are posting a wish on her behalf.
"My name is Zoe. Before Hurricane Sandy I was a typical 19-year-old student at Rutgers. But then came October 29th. I was studying for an exam, waiting out Hurricane Sandy and then I received a phone call. At 11pm on October 29th, I found out both of my parents had been killed. They were driving the pickup truck home with my two little brothers sleeping in the back seat. A Hurricane Sandy gust blew a 100-foot tree on the cab of the truck killing both of my parents. My brothers made it out alive but with some bumps and bruises. I needed to get back home to take care of my 3 younger siblings (ages 17, 14 and 11). I finally made it to the hospital in the morning after battling with Hurricane Sandy all night. I was no longer your typical 19-year-old. A moment in time, a second of bad luck, changed my life and my sibling's lives forever.
I now have two goals: caring for and being guardian of my three younger siblings and keeping my family in the house we grew up in. It is challenging realizing what a lengthy process everything and anything seems to be. Money is stuck in limbo and I'm doing everything I can to keep my family's stability in place. School is no longer a priority, but still a goal I am determined to achieve, but my family, my siblings, come first. I love them more than they could ever fathom and I am ready and willing to put any amount of weight on my shoulders to lessen the load on theirs. They are children who deserve to be kids and enjoy the life they have lying before them. I am going to be strong for them. I am going to be wise. I am going to be patient. But I won't be naive, and I won't say that I don't need help. Our immediate needs are to pay for groceries and bills in the upcoming months. Every donation is vital to the health and comfort of my siblings I care for and love."
THANK YOU MESSAGE TO ALL OF THOSE WHO HELPED
"On behalf of my siblings and myself, I would like to express our sincerest thanks for the overwhelming support and generosity shown to us. Wish Upon a Hero has raised funds for my family that have exceeded our wildest dreams. The donations have ensured our well-being for the next few months and will hold us over until we are able to access our own funds. If there is something we strive for, it is to be as benevolent and giving as our parents were. They had the ability to see the good in everyone they encountered, and they trusted in the good hearts of humanity. It has been a blessing to witness these qualities in action, as a community and a country pull together for a cause. At this point, my family’s needs have been met. We would like to draw attention and further donations to other individuals whose needs have not yet been met. My family has been so blessed, and we would like to be able to do the same for others who have suffered the misfortune of Hurricane Sandy." - Zoe
These comments contained personal information of the commenters that I did not post, they were for Zoe and not for the public. Also I did not put all comments because there were 2 many. They talk about how brave and heroic and unselfish her action was, but they are also heroic and unselfish in their actions to this family
Paul 2 hours agoI had made an earlier post but seems to have gone into the ether! My wife and I would like to offer up our home in Bergen County, NJ to you and your sister and brothers until you get your feet on the ground. I think it's important for you to stay in school both in order to fulfill your own dreams and to be able to provide support way forward. That being said, I think it's EXTREMELY noble that you would like to raise your family in the house you grew up in and the sense of home that your parents built for each of you.
I have two kids myself, my son 16 and my daughter 20 who is a sophomore at Miami University.
If we can help, please feel free to reach out to us at:
Thanks
Kmlynarski 12 hours agoIf you need anything please let me know. My heart goes out to you and your siblings and your well-beings is the most important thing right now. Keep your family together and continue to be the responsible woman you are right now.
"On behalf of my siblings and myself, I would like to express our sincerest thanks for the overwhelming support and generosity shown to us. Wish Upon a Hero has raised funds for my family that have exceeded our wildest dreams. The donations have ensured our well-being for the next few months and will hold us over until we are able to access our own funds. If there is something we strive for, it is to be as benevolent and giving as our parents were. They had the ability to see the good in everyone they encountered, and they trusted in the good hearts of humanity. It has been a blessing to witness these qualities in action, as a community and a country pull together for a cause. At this point, my family’s needs have been met. We would like to draw attention and further donations to other individuals whose needs have not yet been met. My family has been so blessed, and we would like to be able to do the same for others who have suffered the misfortune of Hurricane Sandy." - Zoe
These comments contained personal information of the commenters that I did not post, they were for Zoe and not for the public. Also I did not put all comments because there were 2 many. They talk about how brave and heroic and unselfish her action was, but they are also heroic and unselfish in their actions to this family
Paul 2 hours agoI had made an earlier post but seems to have gone into the ether! My wife and I would like to offer up our home in Bergen County, NJ to you and your sister and brothers until you get your feet on the ground. I think it's important for you to stay in school both in order to fulfill your own dreams and to be able to provide support way forward. That being said, I think it's EXTREMELY noble that you would like to raise your family in the house you grew up in and the sense of home that your parents built for each of you.
I have two kids myself, my son 16 and my daughter 20 who is a sophomore at Miami University.
If we can help, please feel free to reach out to us at:
Thanks
Kmlynarski 12 hours agoIf you need anything please let me know. My heart goes out to you and your siblings and your well-beings is the most important thing right now. Keep your family together and continue to be the responsible woman you are right now.
rosscambe 17 hours ago
yes can I still send a check? Listen, I am sorry for your loss and your family is in my prayers. If you need help or anything at all, please contact me. I got your back. Stay strong. I am not sure if you have listened to the song Home, (Philip Phillips version) but I think this song shows my support along with many others for you. Remember WE HAVE YOUR BACK.
ExtremeChevy98 19 hours ago
Zoe, I'm so sorry abt ur parents & im going to helping you with donations if u need
corcorac 19 hours ago
Zoe, I used to work for your mom at Organon a few years ago. I remember meeting you at a Christmas party at your house. I'm so so sorry for your loss. You are an amazing young woman and I will pray for you and your brothers and sister. God bless you all.
mommie817 19 hours ago
I am a retired navy SEAL, and can simply offer a safe & comfortable environment for your siblings & remaining family members in California. I salute your ability to survive this ordeal, and am willing to help in any way that I can.
Sincerely,
Pete Carolan, U.S. Navy SEAL (Ret.)
Zoe ~
You are a courageous and selfless girl who has a lesson to teach the younger generation of our society. Out of bad will come good.
You and your siblings will make it through this. It will be rough but with your guidance and love you will all be OK. Clearly your Mom and Dad did a tremendous job raising you to be the fine young woman you are today.
My heart brakes for you that you and your siblings will now have to attend High School and College graduations without your parents sitting in the audience, and that someday you will each walk down the aisle feeling that void by your side. But know that your Mom and Dad will walk with you through each of your lives right there next to you in spirit, never missing one milestone while always holding you up so you won't ever fall.
I am a 43-year old single mother of four who has lots of love in her heart to share. If ever you need a shoulder to cry on or a friend to listen, please don't for a second ever hesitate reaching out to me.
God bless you and your family today and always.
Elizabeth Aprile
Elmsford, NY (Westchester County)
Zoe: my heart goes out to you, but please, please, please don't quit school! I think you may be underestimating what it will take to raise your brothers and sisters, although its very admirable that you believe you can.
My family and I live in Bergen County and I am willing to offer you and your brothers and sister to stay in our home until you get your feet on the ground a bit. I have two kids myself, my son age 16 and my daughter the same age as you and a sophomore at Miami University.
If my wife and I can help in any way, feel free to contact me directly at
Be strong,
Paul
Zoe,
My heart brakes hearing this. I am a 17 year old guy, and me thinking about caring for and raising my siblings makes me wonder if I would be capable. Listen Zoe, you are admired and respected in my eyes, you are a courageous young lady and I know that the Lord will be with you. As you begin this journy look to Him for your needs, He WILL supply all your needs if you have the faith for Him. I know what it is like to some extent to grow up to early, its not fun and to no degree is it fun. But lt will make you into something so great! Its going to be hard on you, but if you have faith you will make it through hun. I struggled with feelings of being alone my whole life. i know the pain of having people leave you and having the feelings of thinking your the only person on the earth. Listen Zeo, if you want to simply talk to someone just email me at: Please dont hesitate.
Best regards..
Stephen A
Zoe, I am a custom dessert baker who got started baking cakes and cookies for my kids. I wanted them to always have the joy of homemade dessert. I know it's a small thing at this incredibly difficult time for your family, but I would love to send you all a big container of cookies - at no cost of course. I don't know if your mom was a baker, or if homemade baked goods were a tradition in your family, but if I can fill a small gap, I would be honored to do so. You speak eloquently of protecting your younger siblings chance to be kids, and part of that experience is someone baking you a birthday cake or holiday cookies.
You can reach me by e-mail at
I have three sons, the youngest of whom is 19 like you. It breaks my heart to think of you facing adult life so suddenly and horribly, without your parents to support and guide you. I know too, however, that you and your siblings will help each other. Remember to take care of yourself too - it's one of the hardest lessons to learn about parenting and adult life in general, but oh so important.
Audrey Simon
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