Help Family of 5yr old Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero

**This is the ONLY OFFICIAL fundraiser approved by the parents of Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero. Thank you!**

Please donate: https://gofund.me/a6e611f2

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We invite you to join us in a compassionate effort to support Johana and Orlando, a Venezuelan asylum-seeking family facing an unimaginable loss. Just two weeks after arriving in Chicago, their world was shattered with the unexpected death of their bright and joyful 5-year-old son, Jean Carlos "Jeremías" Martinez Rivero. On December 17, 2023, Jean Carlos died after falling ill in a densely populated migrant shelter in Pilsen. Jean Carlos survived the treacherous journey from South America to Chicago only to lose his life days later. We are heart broken by the loss of Jean Carlos and the family’s shattered hope of a better future.

In addition to their profound grief, Johana and Orlando are struggling to find a stable living arrangement and provide for the needs of their 2-year-old son, Isaías. The family is mourning Jean Carlos’ loss while experiencing homelessness. On January 11, 2024, they are slated to a public shelter system, the same type of environment where they experienced Jean Carlos’ traumatic loss. We hope to raise at least $25,000 to support Johana, Orlando, and Isaías with at least a year of stable housing. Your donations will also cover essential living costs, such as utilities (gas, electric, internet, phones), groceries, and asylum/immigration filing fees. This support will create a space for them to mourn, honor the memory of sweet Jean Carlos, and begin the process of healing in a safe and secure environment while attempting to move forward without their beloved son.

Your donation of any amount is a powerful act of empathy and humanity. It is not just financial support, it is a symbol of solidarity. You will be standing alongside Johana, Orlando, and Isaías, offering them comfort and a semblance of stability as they navigate this challenging period in a new country.

In order to minimize credit card fees, the Figueroa Wu Family Foundation, sponsor of the Pilsen Food Pantry and other anti-poverty services, will be acting as the fiduciary administrator for this campaign. The funds are being raised by community organizers Claudia Strong and Veronica Saldaña and will be saved in a separate bank account. This will ensure that the funds are prioritized for the Martinez Rivero family’s housing and immigration costs. Thank you for your consideration.

Claudia Strong & Veronica Saldaña