Buffalo Truly Is The City Of Good Neighbors–Continue To Help The Loschiavo Family

There's a reason why Buffalo is called the City of Good Neighbors. When a family needs help, the community comes running. Though, funds have been raised to help cover funeral and medical expenses, there is still so much more we can do as there were bills from medical expenses the past three years. Alyssa suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2011 when a van struck her as she was crossing Union Road in West Seneca. Now, extended family of the Loschiavo's are asking for help.

I am reaching out to the Buffalo community one last time to help my brother and his family through the final chapter of Alyssa's story.

Don and Kym Loschiavo, their children and extended family have been through more pain and emotion over 3 years than some of us will ever feel in a lifetime.  This week they will have to put to final rest their beautiful, sweet, funny, loving Alyssa Loschiavo.  All of us know the tragic story, the heartwarming support from the Buffalo community and the endless prayers and well-wishes.  The family cannot express how the emotional support has lifted them, it really was overwhelming.

The family is also very grateful for the financial support from the community, and I am sorry that I am asking for this support again.  The truth of the matter is that Don and Kym do not have the means to pay for Alyssa's funeral.  There is no social security death benefit or insurance that will help them.  Don's brothers and parents will help them out, as will Kym's family...but as most of us know the costs add up and you end up on a payment plan.  This really is not fair to Don and Kym..... it is just another tough punch in this painful saga.

People have asked me what they can do to help, my employer has asked how they can help, my answer to them right now is financially.  Without going into detail regarding their finances, they have been living check - to - check for over 3 years, combined with the stress and pain of taking care of everything Alyssa required as she lay in a hospital bed in their living room.  Don and Kym had no income for one year after Alyssa's accident and spent everything they had to make sure she could come home.  This has sent them into a tailspin financially; one they can't really get out of alone.