Firefighters at Station 31 in North Miami Beach came to the rescue of a family in August when they were struck by a hit and run driver. Wednesday, the same group of firefighters gave the same family quite a bit more to be thankful for this holiday weekend.
Arielys Germosen needed surgery when their car was hit. Her husband lost his job after the accident because they no longer had a car. The family was starting to sell belongings to help put food on the table. That’s when the firefighters who rescued them the first time stepped in to try to help.
“She felt like the world was imploding on her,” said Lt. Bridget Keating. “It wasn’t just about the child being sick, she felt like everything was going wrong and that’s how this was brought to our attention.”
Wednesday, the firefighters surprised Germosen with a donation of $1,403 to help the family get by on their rent. Arielys told the firefighters she was so grateful for everything they have done for her family, in August, and now just before the holidays. Arielys said the money will help her buy things for her baby.
“Whether it’s putting a roof over their head, or providing them with funds to have a Thanksgiving Day dinner; it’s a day of blessing and a blessing for me to have met the family,” Lt. Keating said.
Arielys’ husband has found a new job and he rides a bike every day to make it to work. But, the family also sent their 14-year-old son back to the Dominican Republican to be raised by a grandmother so the family could save money. The family hopes to be reunited one day soon.
The family still needs plenty of help after the accident. If you want to help the family out with a donation, click here.
