Community Rallies to Support Orphaned Siblings Lily & Jake
Friday, May 11, 2012
Lily & Jake lost their mother to murder this January, and now their community has come together to help.
Lily and Jake, ages 4 and 5, lost everything this past January when their mom, Stacie DeSantis Dorego, was brutally murdered in Johnston by their father, who left the children in a room filling with smoke as he tried to cover his crime. They were saved by Johnston's firefighters and treated for smoke inhalation at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. In addition to dealing with this trauma, Lily and Jake, who have special needs, are now parentless and have no means of financial support.
A village rises up
Fortunately, a village of friends, family, and complete strangers has joined with the firefighters to help ensure that Lily and Jake get the chance they deserve to live a happy, loving and productive life. The Friends of Lily and Jake village are planning two fundraisers, including an evening of live music and food at The Met on May 20, and a day full of family fun and live music at Ernie T’s in Richmond on June 3 hosted by the restaurant and community members who have also welcomed the children into the hearts. The proceeds from both events will help the children and their new family with immediate and ongoing needs.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTLily and Jake require rehabilitative services and advocacy as their developmental, educational and emotional needs are assessed and met. While some of the services will likely continue throughout their childhood, this first year is most critical. Their new parents — Jami, Stacie’s oldest sister, and Jeffrey — have put their lives on hold and welcomed Lily and Jake into their blended family, which includes four children between them. Lily and Jake have embraced their new family as readily as their new parents welcomed them with the unconditional love and parental support they need to overcome the many obstacles before them. They have put their marketing and photography businesses on hold to devote their time to the demands of the children’s care.
“Lily and Jake have settled in amazingly well. They already consider themselves part of the family, proudly proclaiming that they have four new brothers and sisters,” said Patti Melaragno, a close family friend.
Dealing with the unthinkable
“Most of us can’t imagine what it’s been like for this family dealing with this unthinkable tragedy. Thankfully, Family Service of Rhode Island and many other agencies are helping. While the support is welcoming and necessary, it’s also time consuming and as self-employed businesses owners, Jami and Jeff’s income has suffered greatly. However, they are determined – and we need to come together to help them,” Melaragno added.
“Lily and Jake are absolutely beautiful. They are small for their ages. Jake takes care of Lily although Lily is clearly the boss. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to let that be known,” said Shelly Murphy, a long-time family friend.
“Unfortunately, they had limited exposure to other people and have caught just about every virus possible in the past few months, which has added to the financial challenges since Jami and Jeffrey are self-employed and don’t have the benefit of paid time off for family medical needs. This is a difficult situation, in a very poor economy. And like many families today, the couple is persevering and focusing on what the children need,” Murphy said.
Fundraiser for Lily & Jake Fund, Sunday May 20, 2-9pm, The Met, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket. Admission is $30 per person or $50 for two. For more information, to purchase an admission reservation or to make a donation, visit www.LilyandJake.org.
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