LeRoy couple reaches out after mom dies
Published 9:02 am Wednesday, March 9, 2011
A LeRoy couple is organizing a fundraiser to help a family that has become all too accustomed to hardship.
Lorena Reyes, 15, gave birth to a baby girl in October, and died a week later due to a brain aneurysm.
Now, Lorena’s mother, Angelina, is left to take care of two boys, 13 and 9, while she cares for her granddaughter, Itzayana.
Angelina had been used to working overtime at IBM, but she’s had to limit that now.
“I don’t get any more overtime like I used to because of the baby,” Angelina said.
But because of her altered schedule and troubles, a coworker decided to help out.
“It’s been gruesome for her,” said Charlie Megraw of LeRoy, who works with Angelina.
To lighten Angelina’s load, Charlie and his wife, Jill Megraw helped coordinate a benefit which is set to take place at 4:30 p.m. March 12 at the Eagles Club of Rochester. The benefit will have live and silent auctions with dozens of items to raise money for the Reyes family.
There will also be a DJ, Tom Bridges, and an auctioneer, Tom Jasper — both who are volunteering their time.
Although Angelina said she’s nervous about the benefit, she is thankful for the help.
“I just want to say thank you to everybody for being there for me,” Angelina said.
Angelina was surprised that the Megraws decided to help with the situation. The Megraws saw Angelina’s trouble and new she needed some help — and deserves it.
“She’s a wonderful person,” Jill said.
Angelina has been coping with the new situation, and the baby is doing well, too.
“She makes my kids happy, we are happy with her,” Angelina said about Itzayana. “She looks like my daughter, reminds me of her a lot.”
Although things may continue to be tough for the Reyes, others are helping them through the situation, too.
Angelina said her sister-in-law has been very helpful, along with two of Lorena’s close friends. Together, they remember the happy times with Lorena and the things she did for the family.
“We miss her a lot,” Angelina said. “She would be a very good mom for Itzayana.”