Support for Matthew, Betty, Emmanuel, & Zayla

On the early morning of January 24th, 2025, tragedy struck our family in an unimaginable way. My sister, Bethania, and her two incredibly beautiful, bright, loving and loved children, Zayla (7) and Emmanuel (11), were tragically taken from us in a devastating house fire. As the sister who will be acting as the proxy/point of contact for the family, I, Layza, am now navigating the heartbreaking task of arranging everything that comes with the loss of not just one loved one, but three. I truly can't find the words to express the depth of this pain or the void their absence has left in our hearts, so that's why I am using ChatGPT to write this.

Bethania, lovingly known as Betty to many, was a shining light in the Palm Bay community. As the owner of her own business, Mendre Insurance Group, she dedicated herself to taking care of her clients and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Through her work, she helped countless clients during their times of need, providing support with medical insurance, wills, and all the vital services that insurance brokers offer. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for others have been reflected in the incredible outpouring of love we’ve received from the community during this devastating time. It is clear that her impact was profound, and she touched the lives of so many.

Zayla and Emmanuel were two bright, vibrant souls who brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew them. Their innocence and love for life were apparent in everything they did. They had so much ahead of them, and their loss is an unbearable tragedy that no child or family should ever have to endure.

Matthew, 16, the surviving son, my nephew, is in my care. Any funds donated will also go to support his needs.

In the wake of this disaster, I’ve been deeply moved by the many offers of help and support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Truthfully, I am still trying to understand what kind of assistance we need most. This GoFundMe page was created as a way to answer the overwhelming generosity of those asking how they can help.

The funds raised here will go toward:

Funeral and Memorial Expenses: Ensuring that Bethania, Zayla, and Emmanuel are honored in a way that reflects the love and joy they brought to this world.

Daily Necessities and Support: Relieving some of the burdens of daily responsibilities while our family focuses on grieving and healing. Managing the expenses for the vehicles and other things that need to be taken care of so we can keep some of their stuff with us.

Counseling Services: Providing grief counseling for our family members.

Memory Preservation: Creating a lasting tribute to celebrate and remember their lives.

To anyone reading this, please know that your kindness and support mean more than words can express. Whether it’s a donation, sharing this campaign, or simply keeping us in your thoughts and prayers, every gesture brings comfort during this heartbreaking time.

I do ask that if you have any pictures and or stories of memories of Betty, Zayla or Emmanuel that you send them to me via email.

Thank you for holding us in your hearts. Your compassion is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love and community can shine through.