Recovery of Mella Mendez Family

A tragic explosion occurred in an apartment in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, resulting in critical injuries to my brother Luis Andres, his one year old son Luca, and his wife Eileen. Reason remains unknown, but it appears that a gas leak caused the explosion. The one year old suffered burns covering 40% of his body, while the father, Luis Andrés, suffered burns covering 72% of his body. The mom, Eileen, suffered burns covering 45% of her body.

The one year old was transferred to the hospital in Santiago province, where one of the two pediatric burn units in the country is located. Meanwhile, the parents were able to be transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. Luca was transferred to Jackson Memorial on July 30th.

With burns at this level, it is expected that the recovery time for the family will be significant and painful. Monetary gifts and prayers to support are needed to assist this family through this tragic disaster.  All funds will go to cover medical and other expenses for Luis Andres, Eileen and their son Luca.