Stephanie's Family Emergency Relief

Stephanie Morales (Sanchez), a young, loving mother of only 22 years of age, was tragically taken away from us. Ahmiri, her 8-month-old baby, was abducted and held hostage by the suspect. By the grace of God, Anchorage Police Department was able to retrieve the baby last night, February 17th, after a long standoff.

She was a little sister to many of us. Stephanie, affectionally called Tati by her closest friends and family, had a bright and forgiving smile. Regardless of the challenges she faced, she was always ready to love and be loved. She was beloved and taken from us too soon. She leaves behind her surviving son, mother and siblings.

Ahmiri is currently in the custody of Alaska's Office of Child Safety. The worst parts of this story are seemingly over, but there is still a long road ahead of us. Her heartbroken mother and my brother are currently working relentlessly to bring Ahmiri home. This process, along with the ongoing investigation, may be lengthy - adding strain to the pain of the tragedy.

The mounting bills for funeral expenses, travel, and transportation in addition to anything required to retrieve Ahmiri are beyond what our extended family can pool together. While the tragedy occurred in Alaska, Stephanie's mother and sisters live in California. Their wish is to fly the body to California and grant Stephanie a proper burial there where they would be in proximity to visit the grave.

If you are able to help in any way, even just a few dollars, it would mean the world to Stephanie's family as they process and heal.

I am organizing this campaign on my aunt's behalf. Our entire family is working together to help. We do not yet have, and might not for several weeks, a firm estimate of the family's full recovery needs. Funds will be used for travel, funeral expenses, recovery living expenses, and getting Ahmiri home, among other related and often unforeseen bills.

All proceeds will go directly to Stephanie's mother and Ahmiri. Juan Duriez will be the Go Fund Me beneficiary who will receive the donations to distribute to Stephanie's mother and Ahmiri according to their needs. I am Jacqueline Duriez, Stephanie's cousin. Juan Duriez is my brother. He is currently the only family member in Alaska and has temporary guardianship of Ahmiri.

Please direct any questions or concerns to me as the organizer.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and thank you for helping us find Ahmiri.