Latest news with #GoFundMe
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
Fundraiser launched for Sophia Rose's family after 3yo allegedly killed by mum
A fundraiser has been launched for the devastated family of Sophia Rose, with the little girl remembered for her 'big eyes' and 'infectious laugh' in the aftermath of Monday's nightmare. The GoFundMe , launched by family friend Connor Thompson, has raised nearly $10,000 from a $15,000 target, with a yellow rose posted to the appeal as a tribute to the toddler's life. 'Sophia Rose was a sweet little girl with big eyes and an infectious laugh that could light up the room,' the appeal reads. 'Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold. Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. 'Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever.' The appeal comes just days after Sophia Rose was allegedly murdered by her mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32. Police have charged Ms Flanigan with murder, alleging she stabbed Sophia Rose multiple times at their Moore Park Beach home north of Bundaberg, about 365km north of Brisbane, on Monday afternoon. Ms Flanigan, a member of the Alive Church in Bundaberg, remains in custody. 'In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, a grieving father and little boy and girl is left to cope with the devastating loss of their beloved daughter and sister,' the appeal reads. 'Her life was taken far too soon, leaving behind a family and community shattered by sorrow. In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to ask for your support. 'Your donations will help this father navigate the overwhelming financial burden of funeral expenses, legal fees, a place to call home and the emotional toll of this tragedy. 'No amount is too small – every contribution provides a small light during this dark time, allowing him to focus on healing and honouring the memory of his precious daughter.' Burnett MP Stephen Bennett, in a post to social media on Thursday, said the event had rocked the small Bundaberg community. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families involved in the several tragic incidents across the region over the last days and weeks,' he said. 'These shocking events rock our small communities, but your support for each other is what will get us through and eventually help us heal. 'If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to Lifeline, Kids Helpline Official, 13 Yarn, Beyond Blue.'
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Heartbreaking appeal for Sophia Rose
A fundraiser has been launched for the devastated family of Sophia Rose, with the little girl remembered for her 'big eyes' and 'infectious laugh' in the aftermath of Monday's nightmare. The GoFundMe, launched by family friend Connor Thompson, has raised nearly $10,000 from a $15,000 target, with a yellow rose posted to the appeal as a tribute to the toddler's life. 'Sophia Rose was a sweet little girl with big eyes and an infectious laugh that could light up the room,' the appeal reads. 'Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold. Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. 'Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever.' The appeal comes just days after Sophia Rose was allegedly murdered by her mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32. Police have charged Ms Flanigan with murder, alleging she stabbed Sophia Rose multiple times at their Moore Park Beach home north of Bundaberg, about 365km north of Brisbane, on Monday afternoon. A fundraiser has been launched for Sophia Rose. Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia Ms Flanigan, a member of the Alive Church in Bundaberg, remains in custody. 'In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, a grieving father and little boy and girl is left to cope with the devastating loss of their beloved daughter and sister,' the appeal reads. 'Her life was taken far too soon, leaving behind a family and community shattered by sorrow. In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to ask for your support. 'Your donations will help this father navigate the overwhelming financial burden of funeral expenses, legal fees, a place to call home and the emotional toll of this tragedy. The fundraiser will help Sophia Rose's father Jai Ruane as he navigates the turmoil of the week. Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia 'No amount is too small – every contribution provides a small light during this dark time, allowing him to focus on healing and honouring the memory of his precious daughter.' Burnett MP Stephen Bennett, in a post to social media on Thursday, said the event had rocked the small Bundaberg community. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families involved in the several tragic incidents across the region over the last days and weeks,' he said. 'These shocking events rock our small communities, but your support for each other is what will get us through and eventually help us heal. 'If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to Lifeline, Kids Helpline Official, 13 Yarn, Beyond Blue.'
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
Australian FIFO worker Byron Haddow, 23, dies suddenly on Bali holiday
A beloved Australian mining worker has died while on holiday in Indonesia, sparking an outpouring of tributes online. Byron Haddow, a 23-year-old FIFO worker from the Sunshine Coast, passed away in Bali on Monday morning during an overseas trip. His parents, Robert and Chantal Haddow, said they received the heartbreaking news on Tuesday and were still coming to terms with the tragedy. They expressed their gratitude for the messages of support but asked for more time to process their grief. 'At this time Chantal, myself, and family are not sure where to look, think, and how to deal with this atm,' the grieving dad wrote on social media. A GoFundMe page has since been set up to help bring Haddow home. 'A son, brother, and friend to many taken way too soon,' the fundraiser reads. 'As many of you know, he was living his life to the fullest, working away, and achieving so many things. 'All donations will go towards helping bring Byron home to his family, funeral arrangements and expenses to help his family through this tough time.' Heartfelt tributes have flooded social media, with friends remembering Haddow's big heart and sense of humour. 'Rest in peace, my brother from another mother. You've been taken too soon,' one friend wrote. 'I'll always remember the good days, and times we have had, and the mischief we made and got up to. 'Love you always brother. You'll never be forgotten.' Another posted: 'I f****** love you bro. 'Was waiting for a message back from you bro. 'Will never forget that laughter and your ambition.' Just before his death, Haddow had posted Instagram stories from Beachwalk Shopping Centre and The Coffee Club in Legian. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed consular assistance was being provided to the family. The cause of his death is still unknown.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘She needs specialized care': 4-year-old girl faces deportation amid battle with medical condition
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — 'She likes to travel, she likes to go to the supermarket,' said Deysi Vargas, Sofia's mom. What might seem like normal activities, are a whole new experience for this little four-year-old. For her first three years, a life-threatening condition kept her inside the walls of hospitals all day, every day. 'My daughter was born with a syndrome in the intestines and she needs specialized care to survive,' said Vargas. 'Sofia is connected 14 hours at night. During the day, its four times…its a gastro-tube which lasts for one hour.' When doctors in Mexico couldn't help, Vargas knew she needed to do more to save her daughter's life. 'She applied to enter the United States to get better treatment for her daughter, and waited until that application was granted before coming here,' said Rebecca Brown, Sofia's lawyer. 4 people hospitalized after truck collides with school bus near Shafter Vargas' daughter found a specialized team in a Los Angeles children's hospital, and was finally able to leave the hospital with a feeding system she carries as a backpack. The family found a home in Bakersfield, but in April everything changed for them. 'In the last few months we received letters from immigration cancelling our humanitarian parole and my work permit,' said Vargas. 'In these letters they tell us that we run the risk of being deported and the best thing that we should do is to leave.' That might be a death sentence for this little one, as the feeding system that keeps her alive is not available in Mexico. The family has set up a GoFundMe and you can click here to donate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Who is Maria Bonilla? Mom of 4 detained by ICE after 24 years in US
A woman who has been living in the United States for over two decades was arrested by federal immigration agents at a downtown courtroom in Atlanta. Maria Bonilla was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 8 at the Atlanta Immigration Court. Her daughter said the arrest happened because of a problem with her immigration paperwork. Maria is still in custody, as per a Newsweek report. "She came not knowing how to read or write, and to this day, she cannot do either due to never having had an education, even when she was a little girl," Magali Bonilla said. Maria came to the US from El Salvador in 2001 when she was 17 years old. For the past 10 years, she had been checking in regularly with immigration officials. Her daughter said Maria was once jailed for driving without a license. She currently has a work permit. Maria is now being held at Stewart Detention Center, one of the largest immigration jails in the US. It is run by a private company called CoreCivic. On the day she was detained, Maria went to immigration court with her daughters. Magali said she was taken because of paperwork problems caused by mixed advice from her lawyer. "My sister and I always go with her to every reporting date she has," she said. "I was with my mother when they were taking her fingerprints and DNA, and shortly after, we got separated. "The lawyers had said that she did not need a passport, but she sent them pictures many times of her passport, and the passport was in the checklist, and it was needed in the paperwork." After Maria was taken, immigration officers told the family to bring her actual passport and send in a new form. The family said the new form was accepted, but Maria is still not home. The Bonilla family is heartbroken over the separation. This happened during President Donald Trump's strict immigration rules. The White House has said that people living in the US without legal papers are considered 'criminals.' Maria has four children: Araceli Anahi Bonilla (22), Magali Avigail Bonilla (21), Henrin Alexander Bonilla Bonilla (17), and Tatiana Jaqueline Bonilla (15). Magali said the situation has been very hard on the family. "My siblings took it hard, and I had to take a semester off from school due to having to work more hours and help my younger siblings," she said. "I was about to enter nursing school, but because of this happening, I have to put a hold on my studies. Also Read: Are you an Indian studying in US? Breaking these 4 rules could cost you your visa "My brother recently also had a graduation, but due to our mother not being there, it did not feel real because she was at my older sister's and my graduation. No family should be going through such a heartbreak." Before she was detained, Maria worked at Gold Creek as a tender cutter. The local community has started a GoFundMe to help the family with legal costs. Other people at Stewart Detention Center are helping Maria talk to a lawyer, since she cannot read or write. "No one should have a time limit on talking and visiting their mother," Magali said. "It has been extremely hard seeing my mom through a glass window and talking to her through a phone like she was a criminal. It is just hard."
