Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse

My name is Julio Valencia-Velez. I am the brother of Cindy Siennick, uncle and provider of her 6 children. My sister passed away early in the morning on Friday January 24th. Her life as a young woman, and mother was robbed from her. I think it is important to address the severity of the issue by using strong and appropriate language. My sister was stabbed over 10 times while laying beside her 6 month old son in bed She was murdered in a heinous act of domestic violence, in the presence of her children. They witnessed the brutal act, and then tried to save her life by calling 911 and yelling and screaming for help. They stayed by her side in desperation as she slowly passed away. They witnessed her say “she was dying”, “call 911”, and in desperation to stay alive for her children even attempt to tourniquet her wounds. My nephews and nieces witnessed their mothers last breaths in this life. I’m sorry to be so vivid and illustrate such a graphic and heart wrenching picture, but I think it is important to understand the gravity of this entire dilemma. I would like to share a little about my sister now. My sister helped raise my older brother Jesus, younger brother Donnie, and myself when we were little kids. We, ourselves, were victims of domestic violence growing up and endured years of abuse and witnessed our mother endure it. My sister helped guide us through it and protect us as best as she could. Unfortunately during the years she fell victim to domestic violence herself. With 6 kids it is very difficult and scary to escape. Only those who have lived through it truly understand the horrors it brings. In the last 2 years, my sister committed herself to finding a better life for herself and her kids. She enrolled in an accelerated nursing program, and while maintaining a life for 3 kids, 2 babies, and being pregnant, she juggled all of life and the violence, and was able to graduate Valedictorian of her class. She became a nurse to provide a better life for her and her kids. She decided to work at a rehabilitation center and long term health facility where she had the pleasure of helping countless individuals. She spent some of the last moments of people’s lives holding their hands, crying with them, and laughing with them during their own passing. She is one of the strongest women I have ever met. She had been saving enough money to escape her predicament. Unfortunately life doesn’t always work out the way we wish it did. I’m starting this GoFundMe so that anyone who is able to help or can help in any minor or convenient way can. I am currently in medical school and am very limited in my ability to help support my family financially with the excruciating cost of school. My sister has been one of my biggest fans of me pursuing my medical degree. I please ask and beg anyone who is able to help in anyway to please donate here so that we may offset some of the costs for the kids. All of the 6 kids have been moved into my mothers home. We are asking for help so that we may buy bunk beds and blankets, new things for their rooms and new home. To offset travel costs and moving costs. For any help to pay for small fixtures in the old house to better provide for our family in this difficult time. I hope to raise around $3000, but if more is possible it would go a long way in this difficult journey. No one could have ever prepared for this kind of predicament and I reach out to anyone who is willing to help our family. Please share with anyone who is willing to listen and able to help. Please reach out to those you may know who are suffering from domestic violence and please help put a stop to the perpetual cycle. I simply ask for any help you can provide our family in these troubled times. Thank you for taking the time read this and share. Please if you are suffering or need help, please reach out to your local abuse network. My personal contact info is provided if anyone has any questions for me. Please let me remind you that we are all suffering right now and would appreciate some decency throughout this endeavor. Thank you once again. E: [email redacted] P: 5733378329