PLEASE DONATE TO THE SÁNCHEZ FAMILY

News:

12/31/09:

A Message From Keenans Mom: "Keenan is now out of the ICU & in the step down unit!! This is a big milestone. It means that while he is not out of the woods, he is certainly at the edge of it! He gets dressing changes that are quite painful but he is toughing it out better than the adults on the unit going through the same thing. Any messages from friends to stay strong, encouraging his courage really helps him. He loves the messages from you guys more than from my adult friends! It will still be at least a week before people can visit."

12/24/09:

Merry Christmas everyone! While you're celebrating and spending time with your family, please keep the Sánchez family in your thoughts. I am truly grateful for all the donations given so far; It amazes me how so many people who don't even know the Sánchez family can donate, anonymously, with the only reward the knowledge that they are helping others in need. You are a blessing in all senses of the word.

12/23/09:

The family now has enough suitcases, clothing and the laptop. They have asked that any larger items be held on to and donated when the time comes. Also, the Sánchez family will be staying with relatives near Westchester over Christmas. Thank you to all who have donated, but more will definitely be needed.

12/22/09:

We have received a request from Mary Bilik, who has been generous enough to let Kameryn stay at her house until the family can get things figured out. Mary tells me that they need a laptop with wireless connectivity that Michelle can use while at Westchester, clothes for Michelle (sizes below) and also plastic tubs to aid in sorting the donated clothing. These items can be dropped off at the High School, however after tomorrow it may be closed for Christmas vacation. We are working on finding a concrete address where all donations can go to.

12/21/09:

PLEASE HELP TO DISPEL THESE RUMORS; Keenan did NOT have a meth lab. I had been to the Sánchez' home in the weeks prior to the fire, even the specific corner of the basement where the fire started, and while I don't know what could have caused the fire, the rumors of a meth lab are just that- uneducated, unsubstantiated rumors, which are very hurtful to the Sánchez Family. Reporters are supposed to report on facts, not rumors.

12/20/09:

We have received word that Keenan has lost the pointer and middle fingers on his left hand, but his vision and hearing should be okay. Please, please donate to the Sánchez family. Not only are they forced to start from scratch and rebuild their home, but they will require money for Keenans treatment and gas to drive and visit him.

The Events of December 19th:

December 19th constituted a tragic day for the Sánchez family. As a result of a chemical explosion in the Sánchez's basement, Keenan Sánchez, the youngest son, was trapped inside the house as it was engulfed in flames. Immediately following the explosions, Keenans mother heroically pulled Keenan from the basement amid smoke and flames. Upon their arrival, firefighters were able to get Keenan and the rest of the Sánchez out safely. However, Fearing further explosions, fire fighters on the scene then let the house burn to the ground, and all of the family's possessions were lost with it. Keenan was rushed to Albany Medical Center where his injuries were deemed too serious and he was air lifted to the Westchester Burn Unit outside of New York City, where he is reported to be in critical condition. Keenan suffered second degree burns over 40% of his body. The house is stated to be a complete loss.

As the holiday season approaches rapidly, the Sánchez family has no place to call home. We are friends of Keenan and the Sánchez family, and we set up this website with the purpose of helping them rebuild physically and emotionally after the fire. We ask for any donation that could help them get back on their feet after this terrible loss. That such a shocking thing could happen so suddenly is truly hard to grasp, and any help that anyone can give will be extremely appreciated. You might never have met any member of the Sánchez family, and might eventually forget your donation, but the Sánchez family will never forget December 19th, and the outpouring of support from people they don't even know.

For those of you not from the New York Capital District, the previous events took place in Delmar, New York, a suburb of Albany. Keenan and Kameryn Sánchez are students at Bethlehem Central High School, Keenan being a sophomore and Kameryn a Senior. Keenan also has 2 older brothers, Josh and Jason.

How You Can Help:

Donations can be made by using the Paypal donate button above, or students of BCHS can bring in a check made out to "Sanchez Family Support Fund." People can also drop off small items at the High School, which is located at:

The Sánchez family now has enough clothing. Thank you to all who donated

More Information:

Fire, explosions in Delmar remain under investigation
Home Engulfed
Explosions rock Delmar neighborhood, critically injures teen
Delmar teen badly burned in home explosion
Collections For the Sánchez Family (Facebook Group)
pray for the Sánchez family (Facebook Group)
Community responds to house fire
Friends Raise Funds for Explosion Victim
Who needs National Healthcare, when some need help this Christmas season?

Emails from Friends and Strangers of the Sánchez Family:

From Tracey Slupski:

My name is Tracey Slupski and I helped Michelle and her family purchase there home last year, not only was she my client she became a friend. My heart goes out to her and her family. When I heard of the tragedy I cried and prayed for her and her family all day and will continue to do so. I am a Real Estate Agent and we are organizing together with other realtors at this moment to donate what ever we can. Do they need a place to live for a while? We might be able to find them temporary housing. What sizes for clothing, shoes ect. We will be working on all these things , please please let me know whatever we can do for you and your family at this time. We are all praying for you and your family.

From Mariana Sucre:

I am a family of a friend of friends of the Sánchez family. I would like to know how is the kid doing. Where is the family living right now? I would like to send my warmest confort wishes to them. God bless them and may they have strength and may their boy heal soon. -Mariana Sucre & family.

From Stephen Piorkowski:

I would be able to provide the family a place to stay . I live at 163 Adams Place and have a house that has 3 bedrooms available . I just live alone and have a house nearby . The family so wonderful great neighbors let them know I feel there pain and am praying for them.

From Michael, Catherine, Alex & Sam McLaren:

I met Keenan once and my son is a friend of his. He seems like a very nice kid. We are all thinking of him and sending positive thoughts for his recovery. I have a queen size bed frame I would be glad to donate. If this will be useful, please let me know how and where.

From Risa Scranton:

I am an old friend of Michelle from the Mothers' Center - please give her my regards and also please let me know what I can do to help! I just made a $$ donation via the website, but what else can I do?? This is so sad. Michelle is such a terrific person.

From Steve and Laurie Lichorat, Garrett, Connor, Dahne & Reilly Duffy, Lance & Spencer Lichorat:

I spent my day yesterday gathering what I have in my home for the Sánchez family. If someone would contact me, I will make arrangements to move these items. To Mr. Stephen Piorkowski: If this home is available to the Sánchez family I have the following items to help furnish it: My Husband is 1st Assistant Chief of Niskayuna Fire District 2 and I am a Nurse at Daughters of Sarah Senior Community and we would like to help in any way that we can. If we could get this home set up for Christmas for this family Our family would like to move these items in for the family. Matching Set: Triple Dresser with full mirror, High Boy Dresser, 1 side table, Coffee Table and 2 end tables and Queen size headboard together with sheets, blankets, comforters, etc. all in very new condition. 2 lamps, a computer desk, Pots, Pans and Dishes, blender, utensils and various other kitchen items. I also have an abundance of Christmas decorations and would love to decorate a home for this family. Garage Sale has been cancelled all items will be donated to help this family get back on their feet. As a Firefighter and as a Nurse, please let Michelle know that we take care of our own and our prayers are with her and especially Keenan who is on Dahne's track team.

From Maik Katko:

i am a student at BCHS and one of Keenans best friends, i cannot imagine how hard it is for their family and for keenan. i pray for him and his family and will until everything is alright again. May God bless him and heal him

From Rosalie Harrington:

I work for Wildwood Programs and Elaine Verstanding put out an email asking for support for your family- I just want you to know that my heart goes out to all of you- my thoughts and prayers are with you- I also made a donation through Pay Pal- I had a friend who had a house fire many years ago and I know what you are going thru- God loves you and will take care of you , you just have to trust in him- I want to say have a Merry Christmas but I understand it isn't going to happen this year- from the evening news Keenan is doing alittle better - I will continue to pray for him- you have wonderful family and friends to help you though this- Please keep the faith