Oceanside Family Seeking Financial Help After Carbon Monoxide Death

The following is a letter to the editor from Bryan Kessler, brother of deceased Oceanside resident Michelle Bracco.

Hurricane Sandy devastated many homes in our community. If you weren't affected directly, you know someone who was.

For those who may not know, my sister's family was one of the families that suffered tremendous loss. Michelle's house sustained massive flood damage on the first floor destroying both cars. These items can be replaced or rebuilt, but what can't be replaced is Michelle's life. She, along with her three pets, passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning when their generator was mistakenly moved into the garage.

The garage door was closed and while the generator continued to run and supply electricity to her house it filled the house with poisonous gas. My sister Michelle didn't have any life insurance to help with current and future bills. Our family scraped up just enough funds to cover her funeral costs.

Michelle leaves behind my nephew Anthony (22, senior in college) and Elizabeth (19, freshman in college) desperately looking for assistance. They want to keep their house, but don't have any funds to rebuild or pay any of the bills.

In addition to financial funds needed for the house we're hoping to raise funds to assist in paying for their college education.

We're working with the Wish Upon A Hero Foundation, which is a 501 c 3 non-profit that has provided direct help to many families affected by Hurricane Sandy. They've posted a wish on behalf of Michelle's family where you can easily make a donation.

You can view Anthony and Elizabeth's wish online at www.wishoftheweek.com or http://www.wishuponahero.com/wishes/?id=1374291.

All of the funds donated are tax deductible and will go directly to the Michelle Bracco fund (Tax ID 46-1453388) that has been created to help pay the bills.Making a donation through Anthony and Elizabeth's wish on Wish Upon A Hero is an efficient way to raise funds online. Anyone who views the wish can make a donation.

If you'd like to learn more about the Wish Upon A Hero Foundation and their incredible work please visit: www.wishuponaherofoundation.org

How you can help

Donate what you can online by clicking on the wish link below. Share these wish links (www.wishoftheweek.com or http://www.wishuponahero.com/wishes/?id=1374291) on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

We hope the more people who view the wish, the more funds will be raised. If you own a company please consider sending an e-blast out to your employees or clients asking them to share the wish and to please make a donation.  By working together we'll be able to help Anthony and Elizabeth in this drastic time of need.

I can't thank you all enough for your help.  Our family is grateful for everything.

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Bryan, Anthony & Elizabeth