Sandy Aftermath: A Helping Hand is Worth More Than Words

After what seemed like an eternity sans heat and electricity post Hurricane Sandy, our power has been restored. Although we have our electricity back, many towns in NY and NJ have been left with unsurpassed destruction never before seen in these areas. With the death toll still rising, many people have been left homeless, stranded, and quite literally powerless.

If you've watched the news coverage you have inevitably heard about people's experiences and their tragic losses. I personally can't stop thinking about the story of the young mother in Staten Island who had to evacuate her home as water started to seep into her house, then poring in from all crevices. She quickly took her two and four year old sons out of the house and into the family car only to be stuck there immobile as the water surged around her. Within a few minutes, unable to go anywhere with the water quickly filling up the car, she took the boys out of the car and put them on the roof telling them that they would be okay. As her screams for help commingled with the wailing winds, another strong wave swept over the car taking both of her babies with it. 

This scene keeps playing in my mind like a wicked loop from a terrifying movie. Only difference being that it is not a movie. It is a horrible and very real tragedy. One that is not an isolated incident for many other families who have suffered unimaginable losses in our area this week. My own family, clients, friends and my community have been severely affected by this storm. 

As you may imagine, all sorts of assistance and donations are needed. Stacey Donaghy, Michelle Johnson, and Jamie Bodnar Drowley and I have offered our services to the Jen Malone Writer's Auction. 

The Auction has been set up on the Jen Malone's blog so be sure to look at all the latest posts going back to October to see the goodies that have been posted there. For ease of locating our specific posts and placing your bids, I'm listing our respective links below. The proceeds from this auction go directly to the Red Cross.

Auctioned Items: Bid Now!

Marisa Corvisiero (me) -- Query and 10 Page Critique

Stacey Donahey -- 10 Page Critique

Michelle Johnson -- Query Critique

Jamie Bodnar Drowley -- Query Critique

I know that not all of our finances allow us to give donations, so please click here for other ways that YOU CAN HELP. My sister, Emma K. Viglucci, founder and director of Metropolitan Marriage and Family Therapy, PLLC, in her role as Member at Large for the NY Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (NYAMFT), is helping coordinate efforts for the Rockaways, Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, NY and other areas. She has put together a very helpful document listing many things that you can donate, and where and how you can volunteer to help. 

I hope that you are able to donate help or give a smidgen of your time to possibly ease someone's discomfort or loss, or possibly even save someone's life. 

Happy Helping!

~Marisa