Tag:

GoFundMe

NJ Soccer Captain Suffered Broken Neck, Ribs In Crash, Campaign Says NJ Soccer Captain Suffered Broken Neck, Ribs In Crash, Campaign Says
NJ Soccer Captain Suffered Broken Neck, Ribs In Crash, Campaign Says Support is on the rise for an 18-year-old North Jersey high school soccer captain who sustained multiple broken bones in a crash last month. Molly Mack, the captain of the Whippany High School girls team, was identified by the team's booster club as the person seriously injured in the Sunday, Oct. 27 crash between two SUVs on Route 24 in Florham Park, as previously reported by Daily Voice. A week later, more than $122,000 had been raised for her recovery on a GoFundMe launched by her aunt and uncle, Tom Hamill and Jennifer Gullace, who say Mack was a passenger in one of the vehicles. …
Video Shows Vehicle Pulling Into Path Of Police Car In Deadly Sussex County Crash: AG Video Shows Vehicle Pulling Into Path Of Police Car In Deadly Sussex County Crash: AG
Video Shows Vehicle Pulling Into Path Of Police Car In Deadly Sussex County Crash: AG Video has been released in a crash involving a Franklin Borough police officer and a 19-year-old Sussex County woman who died as a result of it back in May. Sgt. William Grissom was driving southbound on Route 23 in Franklin when a black Honda Prelude pulled out of the ShopRite parking lot near Walsh Street on Monday, May 27 around 10:40 a.m., NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Video shows the Prelude emerging from behind vehicles in traffic on the northbound side of the roadway, the attorney general's office said.  The officer's dashcam, released Monday, Oct. 28 by Platki…
Toms River Man Convicted For Shooting Two Men In Head, Killing Them: Prosecutors Toms River Man Convicted For Shooting Two Men In Head, Killing Them: Prosecutors
Toms River Man Convicted For Shooting Two Men In Head, Killing Them: Prosecutors A Toms River man was found guilty of killing two men in a Lakewood apartment nearly three years ago, authorities said. After a nearly month-long trial, a jury convicted 42-year-old Tyshaun Drummond on Tuesday, Oct. 22 of two murder counts, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He was charged in the deaths of 36-year-old Nicholas Hardy of Toms River and 32-year-old Sergio Chavez-Perez of Lakewood. Lakewood police responded to shots fired at an apartment complex on River Avenue at around 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. Officers found Drummond matching…
Mom Of Track Star, 19, Killed In NJ Crash Files Lawsuit Against Other Driver Mom Of Track Star, 19, Killed In NJ Crash Files Lawsuit Against Other Driver
Mom Of Track Star, 19, Killed In NJ Crash Files Lawsuit Against Other Driver The mother of a former New Jersey track star and motorcyclist killed in a crash over the summer has filed a lawsuit against the other driver involved. Jeremiah Saint Surin, 19, was killed when his motorcycle collided with an SUV the intersection of West Jersey Avenue and Cates Road in Egg Harbor Township around 6:15 p.m. Saturday, June 1, as previously reported by Daily Voice. The lawsuit filed by Lisa Saint Surin against Rahn in Atlantic County Superior Court on Oct. 11 says the other driver, Germain Rahn, was heading north on Cates Road and pulled out from a stop sign "without the proper …
Nutley Wrestling Community Embraces High School Grappler After Dad Marc DellaVolpe's Death Nutley Wrestling Community Embraces High School Grappler After Dad Marc DellaVolpe's Death
Nutley Wrestling Community Embraces High School Grappler After Dad Marc DellaVolpe's Death Nutley's wrestling community is mourning the loss of Marc DellaVolpe, who is being widely remembered as one of the most passionate, supportive, and knowledgeable parents on the sidelines. DellaVolpe, 47, of Nutley, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 17. "He was very supportive of his son, Louis, and traveled all over the place [for his matches]," said 10-year Nutley youth wrestling coach Michael Blanchard. Blanchard's son is the same year as DellaVolpe's son, Louis, and the two have been wrestling together since first or second grade. They both just started as freshmen at Nutley High Scho…
Legacy Of NJ's Daniella Amato, 23, Continues Through Family's Campaign Legacy Of NJ's Daniella Amato, 23, Continues Through Family's Campaign
Legacy Of NJ's Daniella Amato, 23, Continues Through Family's Campaign Daniella Amato, a 23-year-old New Jersey native, died on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at home in Pennsylvania, her obituary on the Freeman Funeral Homes website says. Daniella graduated from Allentown High School in 2019 and went on to study dietetics at West Chester University, her obituary says. She worked as a server at White Dog Café in Chester Springs, PA, and was a fitness enthusiast who loved to cook, was passionate about horses and dreamed of being an Olympic rider. "Daniella’s big, beautiful personality, and sense of adventure, garnered a group of devoted friends, colleagues an…
Jersey Shore Teen Dies After Months-Long Cancer Battle: 'Safe Dancing With Angels' Jersey Shore Teen Dies After Months-Long Cancer Battle: 'Safe Dancing With Angels'
Jersey Shore Teen Dies After Months-Long Cancer Battle: 'Safe Dancing With Angels' A 15-year-old girl who lives at the Jersey Shore has died months after being diagnosed with cancer. Olivia "Livi" McConaghy, of Manahawkin, died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 4, according to her obituary on the Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home website. A GoFundMe launched by Tracey Slattery in June for Livi's family around the time of her diagnosis had raised $69,000 as of press time. The campaign says Livi is a former gymnast and volleyball enthusiast who loves to surf and swim at the beach. Her battle began last March, when she began experiencing dizziness and weakness in her arm, the campa…
'Beacon Of Positivity': Former Villanova Golfer, Father Dies In Fiery NJ Turnpike Crash 'Beacon Of Positivity': Former Villanova Golfer, Father Dies In Fiery NJ Turnpike Crash
'Beacon Of Positivity': Former Villanova Golfer, Father Dies In Fiery NJ Turnpike Crash A Pennsylvania family was mourning the death of a father and Hudson Valley native who was killed on the New Jersey Turnpike. Colin Mahon of Newtown Square, PA, died in a chain-reaction crash in Cranbury, NJ, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, a New Jersey State Police spokesperson said. The father of three children was 40 years old, according to his obituary from Donohue Funeral Homes. A GoFundMe page in Mahon's memory had raised more than $118,900 from at least 326 donations as of Monday, Oct. 14. "Colin was a beacon of positivity and strength, touching the lives of everyone around h…
NJ High School Wrestler Seriously Injured In ATV Crash Facing Long Road To Recovery: Campaign NJ High School Wrestler Seriously Injured In ATV Crash Facing Long Road To Recovery: Campaign
NJ High School Wrestler Seriously Injured In ATV Crash Facing Long Road To Recovery: Campaign A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for one of two West Milford teenage boys seriously injured in an ATV crash on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Brandon Mroziuk was identified as one of the two boys in a Polaris Sportsman 850 that crossed a center line on Highlander Drive and collided with a 2013 Chevy Malibu. Mroziuk and the other boy in the ATV were both airlifted to St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson. The campaign says Brandon underwent surgery and faces a long road to recovery. " Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference and show Brandon and his f…
College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery
College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery A Toms River police officer who was part of the department since she was a girl died after tonsil surgery, according to a fundraising campaign. Ingrid Rivera-Zuniga, 21, died on Saturday, Oct. 5, her obituary from Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services said. She was a Class I special law enforcement officer with the Toms River Police Department. According to a GoFundMe page, Rivera-Zuniga had a difficult recovery from tonsil surgery. She was hospitalized with meningitis and suffered two strokes. The GoFundMe had raised more than $29,700 from at least 453 donations as of Wednesday, Oct. 9. …
New Details Released In Grisly Kitchen Floor Murder Of NJ Wife Seeking Divorce New Details Released In Grisly Kitchen Floor Murder Of NJ Wife Seeking Divorce
New Details Released In Grisly Kitchen Floor Murder Of NJ Wife Seeking Divorce New details are coming to light in the murder of a 40-year-old New Jersey mother in front of her kids, one of whom tried to save her, police papers show. On Friday, Oct. 4, a Middlesex County Superior Court Judge ordered Wellington Leonardo, 45, jailed pending his trial in the stabbing death of his wife, Rosanna Rodriguez, on the kitchen floor of their Perth Amboy home, in front of their children, according to News12 and MyCenralJersey, and police papers obtained by Daily Voice. Appearing over video link, Leonardo sobbed as the recording of the 911 call was played, News12 says. In the recor…
Mom With 'Bright Aura', UK Band's No. 1 Fan Dies After Suspected Jersey Shore Hit-And-Run Mom With 'Bright Aura', UK Band's No. 1 Fan Dies After Suspected Jersey Shore Hit-And-Run
Mom With 'Bright Aura', UK Band's No. 1 Fan Dies After Suspected Jersey Shore Hit-And-Run An Aberdeen woman has died more than three weeks after she was hospitalized in a suspected hit-and-run crash, authorities said. Judith Fox-Hernandez, 58, died from her injuries, the Aberdeen Township Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 2. She was hit near the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Second Street at around 7:24 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Officers found Fox-Hernandez in the road and she was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She was pronounced dead at the Neptune hospital on Sunday, Sept. 29. A GoFundMe page said Fox-He…
NJ Wrestler Alan Vera Garcia, 33, Dies Weeks After Going Into Cardiac Arrest Playing Soccer NJ Wrestler Alan Vera Garcia, 33, Dies Weeks After Going Into Cardiac Arrest Playing Soccer
NJ Wrestler Alan Vera Garcia, 33, Dies Weeks After Going Into Cardiac Arrest Playing Soccer Alan Vera Garcia, a professional New Jersey wrestler, died on Monday, Sept. 23, weeks after going into cardiac arrest while playing soccer, according to multiple news reports. He was 33 years old. Our dear friend and teammate, Alan Vera, recently suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while playing soccer. He is currently... Posted by USA Wrestling on Monday, August 5, 2024 Garcia, of Guttenberg, was born in Cuba and the first Cuban wrestler to win a national championship in the United States in Greco-Roman wrestling, his obituary on the Barquin Funeral Home site reads.  His obituar…
Sudden Death Of NJ High School Assistant Principal Spreads Shock, Sadness Sudden Death Of NJ High School Assistant Principal Spreads Shock, Sadness
Sudden Death Of NJ High School Assistant Principal Spreads Shock, Sadness A New Jersey community was mourning the sudden loss of a high school administrator and father of five. Andrew "AJ" Barchetto, 46, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 22, according to family members and his obituary on the Wood Funeral Home website. Barchetto was the assistant principal of Oakcrest High School, where he also served as the supervisor of special education and child study team, the school's website says. OHS Principal Michael Manning shared the following with Daily Voice: Oakcrest is coping as well as could be hoped. Mr. Barchetto was a trusted and loved administrator. He was …
DUI Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Motorcyclist, 25, In Middlesex County: Prosecutor DUI Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Motorcyclist, 25, In Middlesex County: Prosecutor
DUI Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Motorcyclist, 25, In Middlesex County: Prosecutor Charges have been filed against a 61-year-old Perth Amboy man in connection with a deadly crash last month, authorities said. Jorge Lopez surrendered to local police on Friday, Sept. 20, and was charged with one count of second-degree vehicular homicide, DUI, and other motor vehicle offenses, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. Lopez was behind the wheel of a sedan that struck Michael Fernandez, 25, of Perth Amboy, who was found lying in the roadway at Kamm Road and Convery Boulevard just before 6 p.m. Aug. 23, Ciccone previously said. Fernandez was taken to Robert Wood …
Former Fire Chief Indicted In Crash That Killed Teen Girl: Bergen County Prosecutor Former Fire Chief Indicted In Crash That Killed Teen Girl: Bergen County Prosecutor
Former Fire Chief Indicted In Crash That Killed Teen Girl: Bergen County Prosecutor The 61-year-old man and former chief of a local fire department has been indicted in a crash that left a 15-year-old girl dead, authorities in Bergen County said. Timothy Moots, formerly a longtime member of the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, was operating the Chevrolet Silverado when he struck and killed Serenity Law, 15, of Ridgefield, who was on an electric scooter just before 7:40 p.m. Sunday, April 14, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. On Monday, Sept. 23, Musella said that Moots "made misleading statements to law enforcement in an attempt to minimize his involvement…
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says
NJ Mom Believed Killed By Husband Survived By 4 Daughters, Campaign Says Support is on the rise for four girls mourning the loss of their 40-year-old mother, who authorities said was stabbed dead by her husband this weekend in New Jersey. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Rosana Rodriguez's daughters had raised more than $10,000 as of Sunday, Sept. 22, more than 24 hours after she was found lying on the kitchen floor of a Perth Amboy home with stab wounds next to her husband, Wellington Leonard, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Officers were called to the Bertrand Avenue home around 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ci…
Central Jersey Taxi Driver Shot Dead Was Loving Dad, 'Friendly Face' Behind Wheel: Fundraiser Central Jersey Taxi Driver Shot Dead Was Loving Dad, 'Friendly Face' Behind Wheel: Fundraiser
Central Jersey Taxi Driver Shot Dead Was Loving Dad, 'Friendly Face' Behind Wheel: Fundraiser The family of an Eatontown taxi driver was rallying for support after he was found dead outside a Hazlet motel, according to a fundraising campaign. The body of 42-year-old Anthony Hill was discovered in the parking lot of Holly Hill Motel on Saturday, Sept. 14. Police found Hill with several gunshot wounds on the ground near a dumpster at around 7:18 a.m.  A GoFundMe page created in Hill's memory raised more than $950 from at least 24 donations as of Friday, Sept. 20. "Ant was a devoted husband, father, and friend, known for his kind heart and dedication to his fa…
Memory Of North Jersey's Gianna Signorile, 21, Stays Alive With Annual 5K Memory Of North Jersey's Gianna Signorile, 21, Stays Alive With Annual 5K
Memory Of North Jersey's Gianna Signorile, 21, Stays Alive With Annual 5K Gianna Signorile's legacy will live on forever. The lifelong Nutley resident died in December 2021 after battling a rare form of liver cancer. In her obituary from the Biondi Funeral Home, she was remembered as a hero who shined bright in every room she entered. A straight-A student at Nutley High School, Signorile attended the University of Maryland's School of Business, where she made the Dean's list before transferring to Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, according to her obituary. Even while battling cancer, she made education her top priority, her obituary reads. The Gian…
South Toms River Officer Killed In Parkway Crash, Treated Friends 'Like Gold': Fundraiser South Toms River Officer Killed In Parkway Crash, Treated Friends 'Like Gold': Fundraiser
South Toms River Officer Killed In Parkway Crash, Treated Friends 'Like Gold': Fundraiser A former South Toms River police officer died when his motorcycle crashed with a dirt bike on the Garden State Parkway, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page was created for 26-year-old Antonio Caprara. The Beachwood man was killed in the crash in Toms River at around 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8. South Toms River Police Chief William Kosh tells Daily Voice that Caprara was terminated from the department in May 2024. Kosh did not provide further details. "Antonio was a wonderful person, known for worth ethic, kindness, and selflessness," wrote Rue. "He treated his fri…
Passaic Valley Alum Struck In Head By Line Drive At College Baseball Practice, Family Says Passaic Valley Alum Struck In Head By Line Drive At College Baseball Practice, Family Says
Passaic Valley Alum Struck In Head By Line Drive At College Baseball Practice, Family Says Nicholas Fiorita was days into his baseball career at the County College of Morris when the unthinkable happened. The freshman, who graduated from Passaic Valley High School last spring, was struck in the head by a line drive at practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by his sister, Sofia. Fiorita has been in a medically-induced coma and, although he's since been taken off of a ventilator and is breathing on his own, it's too soon to say how his brain will respond to the injury, Sofia says. As of Monday, Sept. 9, more than $35,700 had been raised on t…
Death Penalty Sought For NJ Native Accused Of Killing Friend's Baby, Abusing Twin Brother Death Penalty Sought For NJ Native Accused Of Killing Friend's Baby, Abusing Twin Brother
Death Penalty Sought For NJ Native Accused Of Killing Friend's Baby, Abusing Twin Brother The death penalty is being sought against a PhD student from New Jersey who is accused of killing an infant boy and abusing his twin brother in Pennsylvania, according to court records obtained by Daily Voice on Friday, Sept. 6. Nicole Virzi, 30, a PhD student who graduated from Northern Highlands Regional High School, was charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, child endangerment, and more in connection with the incidents last June. The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty in Virzi's case on Thursday,…
Star NJ Baseball Player Nick Cocchia Dies Suddenly, 25 Star NJ Baseball Player Nick Cocchia Dies Suddenly, 25
Star NJ Baseball Player Nick Cocchia Dies Suddenly, 25 Support is on the rise for the family of former New Jersey high school baseball player Nicholas "Nick" Cocchia, who died suddenly on Monday, Aug. 26, according to his obituary on the Rossi Funeral Home website. He was 25 years old. Nick was raised in Mountainside before moving to Kenilworth with his family, his obituary says. Nick played first base, outfield, and pitched for the varsity baseball team at Governor Livingston High School in Berkley Heights, his obituary says.  He helped lead the team to their victory as state champions in 2015 before playing college baseball for Mont…
Man Had 5-6 Beers, Drank While Driving In NJ Crash That Killed NHL Star, Brother: Affidavit Man Had 5-6 Beers, Drank While Driving In NJ Crash That Killed NHL Star, Brother: Affidavit
Man Had 5-6 Beers, Drank While Driving In NJ Crash That Killed NHL Star, Brother: Affidavit A Woodstown man reportedly admitted to having about a half-dozen beers before the crash that killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, arrest records said. Sean Higgins, 43, was facing several charges including two counts of assault by auto, according to court records. He was accused of striking the NHL star and his brother while they were riding bicycles in Oldmans Township on Thursday, Aug. 29. Investigators said the Gaudreaus were on bikes close to the fog line on the north side of County Route 551. Higgins tried to pass a car and SUV while also traveling north in a black Jeep G…
Flight Crew Raises $18K For Family Of Popular Atlantic Air Nurse Jay McChesney Flight Crew Raises $18K For Family Of Popular Atlantic Air Nurse Jay McChesney
Flight Crew Raises $18K For Family Of Popular Atlantic Air Nurse Jay McChesney A fundraiser has been launched to aid the family of Jay McChesney, a New Jersey father and flight nurse who died last month at 55 years old. Jay, of Hillsborough, died on Friday, Aug. 30, leaving behind his wife, Jennette and their three children, Jordan, James, and Joe. Nicknamed an "All American Hero," Jay was a founding member of the Atlantic Air 1 medevac team and was a nurse at Robert Wood Johnson after having spent 24 years serving in the Coast Guard. As of Tuesday, Sept. 3, more than $18,000 had been raised on the GoFundMe for the McChesney family, launched by members of Jay's f…
'It Was Always Matty And John:' Pregnant Gaudreau Widow Has Special Message For Sister-In-Law 'It Was Always Matty And John:' Pregnant Gaudreau Widow Has Special Message For Sister-In-Law
'It Was Always Matty And John:' Pregnant Gaudreau Widow Has Special Message For Sister-In-Law Madeline Gaudreau is speaking out after her husband and his brother's death, leaving her a single mom-to-be — tragically, unexpectedly. Madeline, who was expecting baby Tripp with 29-year-old Matthew Gaudreau when he and his 31-year-old brother Johnny were struck and killed by suspected drunk driver and New Jersey National Guardsman, Sean Higgins. She says the two were each other's best friends. "It was always Matty & John," Madeline said on Instagram days after the Oldmans Township crash. "I can’t even put into words the bond these two had and right now I don’t have the strength.…
Matt Gaudreau Was Expecting Baby With Wife, Madeline, Campaign Says Matt Gaudreau Was Expecting Baby With Wife, Madeline, Campaign Says
Matt Gaudreau Was Expecting Baby With Wife, Madeline, Campaign Says The Gaudreau family had much to look forward to. Katie Gaudreau was set to marry Devin Joyce on Friday, Aug. 30. Johnny Gaudreau and his wife, Meredith, were weeks away from celebrating their daughter's second birthday. Matt Gaudreau and his wife, Madeline, were expecting a baby, according to a GoFundMe page launched for Madeline's future. ALSO SEE: Pregnant Gaudreau Widow Has Special Message For Sister-In-Law But the Gaudreau family's happy future was ripped away from them on Thursday, Aug. 29, when brothers Matt and Johnny were struck and killed by a DUI driver …
Bergen County Family Critical In South Carolina Road Trip Crash Bergen County Family Critical In South Carolina Road Trip Crash
Bergen County Family Critical In South Carolina Road Trip Crash Several members of a Bergen County family were in critical condition following a crash on a summer vacation. A GoFundMe launched for Vivek Talwar, his wife, Kiran Bhat Talwar, and their four children, of Cresskill, says they were on a road trip when they were involved in a crash on Friday morning, Aug. 23, outside Charleston, SC. Colleton County Fire-Rescue Vivek, Kiran, and one child remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, while three of their children were released from the hospital but required assistive devices to move, reads the campaign launched by Tuisha Desai…
Bally's Casino HVAC Tech, Army Vet James Osler Jr. Dies, 36 Bally's Casino HVAC Tech, Army Vet James Osler Jr. Dies, 36
Bally's Casino HVAC Tech, Army Vet James Osler Jr. Dies, 36 James "Jim" Osler, of Somers Point, died on Aug. 24 due to complications of kidney disease, according to his obituary on the Adams-Perfect Funeral Home website. He was 36 years old. A U.S. Army veteran who served six years, Jim worked as an HVAC Technician for the Local 68 at Bally's Casino in Atlantic City, his obituary says. A GoFundMe for the family had raised more than $3,400 as of press time. The campaign says Jim met his wife, Devon, while working at Ashley Furniture, and they just celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary. "Jim and Devon have supported every sport and ac…
'Beyond Devastation:' Family Mourns Loss Of NJ Woman Found Dead In Alabama 'Beyond Devastation:' Family Mourns Loss Of NJ Woman Found Dead In Alabama
'Beyond Devastation:' Family Mourns Loss Of NJ Woman Found Dead In Alabama Support is on the rise for the family of a New Jersey woman who was found dead on an Alabama roadside earlier this month. As of Wednesday, Aug. 28, more than $5,500 had been raised on a GoFundMe for the family of Long Branch resident, Miyell A. Johnson, who also went by, Kimberly Ann Agere, 29. No foul play was suspected in Johnson's death, after her body was found on Saturday morning, Aug. 10, as reported by ABC3340. "Miyell A. Johnson, was a delightful young lady," her mother wrote on the GoFundMe. "She was sweet & funny, she also loved to sing,dance & was her own beautician…
NJ Mom Killed By Ex-BF In Murder-Suicide Days After 21st Birthday, Family Says NJ Mom Killed By Ex-BF In Murder-Suicide Days After 21st Birthday, Family Says
NJ Mom Killed By Ex-BF In Murder-Suicide Days After 21st Birthday, Family Says A young Vineland mother was killed by her ex-boyfriend in a murder-suicide, according to her family. A GoFundMe page said Mary Rodriguez died just days after celebrating her 21st birthday. She was the mother of a two-year-old boy. The GoFundMe had raised more than $12,500 from at least 199 donations as of Wednesday, Aug. 28. "Mary was filled with hopes and dreams, embarking on a transformative journey to build a secure future for herself and her little one," wrote Marianette Mercado, Rodriguez's stepmother and the fundraiser's organizer. "Her vibrant spirit touched the lives of m…