Jersey City Rallies Around Boy Facing Life-Threatening Illness Overseas
Luca Gonzalez, a 13-year-old Jersey City resident, was visiting family in Switzerland when he suddenly fell critically ill and had to be hospitalized.
Gonzalez was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax and has undergone several surgeries. The hospital in Switzerland is refusing to accept his insurance, since he is an American citizen.
A fundraiser has been set up to assist the family with medical expenses, which have exceeded $20,000. As of Friday, August 11, more than $22,300 has been raised.
Luca's mother, Rene, is a prominent restauranteur in the city, having previously ser…
Saddle Brook Rallies Around Girl Injured, Orphaned In Earthquake
Rayen Bekri, a 13-year-old girl, was trapped in the rubble for six days following an earthquake in her native Turkey in February. Now living with family in Bergen County, the community has come together to help her.
While trapped under six floors of a collapsed building, Bekri held onto her brother, though he did not survive. Bekri's mother also died in the earthquake, which killed nearly 60,000 people in Turkey and Syria.
Bekri was finally discovered, though her leg had to be amputated. Bekri's father had previously died in a war in Syria.
Rasha Kattan, Bekri's aunt, flew to T…
Newark Helps One Of Its Own Open Restaurant
Inayah Blocker has recently opened her own restaurant, thanks to community support.
Blocker, a Newark native, opened Beyond Soul, a soul food and seafood restaurant at 40 Jay Street on Tuesday, July 11, in the city. To help with costs, including signing a lease, Blocker started a fundraiser. As of Friday, July 21, almost $3,600 has been raised.
Beyond Soul is also the name of a catering company Blocker ran. She was also a contestant on the Food Network's "Chef Boot Camp."
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