In memory of Alexander Schambelan

We are friends and coworkers of Josephine Schambelan and are reaching out for your help as she and her family are struggling emotionally and financially to deal with every parent's nightmare - the sudden and unexpected death of Josephine and her husband Sean's son, Alex.

Josephine, Sean and Alex left for vacation in Playa del Carmen in Mexico on Monday, July 17th. All went well and they settled in to enjoy their stay. On Tuesday, they headed for the beach. Sean and Alex went swimming while Josephine sat on shore. After a while she and Sean switched places. Jo was swimming behind Alex when she noticed his head down in the water. She gave him a push and called out to him; then another, and another. She grabbed him by his trunks to propel him toward the shore. The lifeguard saw what was happening and in a flash was there to get Alex back on the beach. CPR was started, but to the shock and horror of all who were watching, it was not water that came out of Alex's mouth and nose, but foam.

Alex was rushed to the hospital but it was too late. While Josephine was told Alex was still breathing when he was taken out of the water, by the time they arrived at the hospital and despite all efforts to revive him, he was gone. The picture I cannot get out of my mind is Josephine describing how she threw everyone out of the room and started CPR herself. This could not be happening - he was just here, he was just laughing and swimming and now she was pounding on his chest even as she knew she had lost him.

Alex did not drown. Autopsy results revealed his heart had stopped - it's called Sudden Death Syndrome. There was no other explanation offered, no reason she and Sean could be given as to the "why" of it. But all the reasons and explanations in the world will not bring Alex back and all the words that can be said will not ease Jo and Sean's suffering. We hope, then, to at least alleviate the economic burden this has placed on the family. The hospital asked for $15,000. The transport costs came to $11,300. There are funeral expenses, as well as potential for lost wages as the family recovers from the shock of it all. And perhaps "recover" isn't the right word. There is no recovering, only learning to live in this new reality. We are hoping, with your support, we can give them the time and space to do that.

We thank you in advance for any help you can offer.