Robb Elementary teacher Irma Garcia gave her life trying to protect her students. Now, the public has stepped up to make sure Garcia’s own children will have everything they need in their lives.
A GoFundMe fundraising page set up on behalf of Garcia’s four children – Cristian, Jose, Lyliana, and Alysandra, was set up five days ago and has already raised over $2.7 million from nearly 50,000 donations. Garcia was one of 21 people murdered, including 19 children, when a gunman entered her school a week ago (May 24) in Uvalde, Texas.
“[Irma] would literally do anything for anybody, no questions asked,” Garcia’s cousin Debra Austin wrote on the fundraising page. “She loved her classroom kids and died trying to protect them. Please donate anything you can to help her family. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Garcia family for various expenses.”
Two days after Garcia was killed, her husband of 24 years, Joe Garcia, suffered a heart attack and died. “I am equally devastated to report Irma’s husband Joe has tragically passed away this morning…,” Austin wrote. “Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. I truly believe Joe died of a broken heart and losing the love of his life…was too much to bear.”
A few days later, Austin thanked everyone for their donations and support. “I would like to thank all the donors worldwide that have contributed to these wonderful kids. The prayers and love and support you have sent are so very much appreciated and needed as they continue their journey through life without their mother and father. Joe and Irma were amazing people and two of the most loving parents we as a family have ever known. They were so proud of all their kids. They are loved and missed beyond what words can explain. Thank you again from the entire family.”
Verified GoFundMe pages have also been set up for each victim of the Uvalde shooting.
