In the millennial era, not many 20-year-old adults these days are particularly ready to support themselves independently, let alone raise and support an entire family. Samantha Rodriguez of Orlando, Florida, did just that. Her mother died from cervical cancer in June of 2013, and just a short few years later her father passed away from lymphoma. This dealt a grieving blow to their family. Many families all too often fall apart in situations like this. It’s simply because there isn’t anyone that can take on that kind of responsibility at that young of an age. Samantha stated that there’s no way she’d let her family split up and that she knew what she had to do. Unfortunately, if she didn’t raise the kids herself, the foster system getting involved is exactly what could’ve happened. This is what Samantha was trying to prevent.
Her Brave Works Have Caught The Attention Of The Community
It takes a special person to do what Samantha is doing. The surrounding community, including law enforcement officers, have and are continuing to notice. Samantha has stated, “I am so blown away by the help we’ve received, it’s a reminder that everything will be okay.” (1) Transportation for a family that size hasn’t been easy for Samantha, especially because she couldn’t afford a vehicle. Well one day, Samantha was unexpectedly invited into the Orlando sheriff’s office for a reason that she didn’t know. She was called up on stage and then one officer all of a sudden revealed a picture of a brand-new car that is now hers.
Afterward, she stated, “When they told me the car is for us, I remember thinking, ‘They just took away all these worries and stresses.’ It was such a big weight off my shoulder and will help so much”. Rodriguez also stated that that’s not the only way in which the sheriff’s department has been helping out. Officers also invited the kids out for a visit of milk and cookies, Christmas presents for the family with a focus on clothes and toys. Four months later, the brand-new car was finally hers. (2)
Samantha Goes Above And Beyond
Samantha is not only raising the kids, but she’s also preparing to pave an easier way for their future. She’s doing this by saving all of the money she makes waitressing. She wants to buy a larger house and hopefully pay for college tuition for all of her siblings and herself. She has a Go Fund Me page that has raised over $116,000 since in just over 3 months. Raising 5 siblings is a daunting task and Samantha is pleasantly surprised, thankful, and appreciative that she has received so much support ever since the traumatic deaths of both of her parents occurred. It is a sheer act of selflessness and it is a story to be remembered for quite some time. She stated on her Go Fund Me page, “This help has changed my life and took so much off my plate. I can’t thank you guys enough! Sending lots of love ❤️”. (3)