Kids Need Help

The community is raising money to support two children orphaned last week when their mother, Darcy Rodriguez, died of cancer at the age of 48.

Colin Rodriguez, 13, and Katalina Rodriguez, 11, are being cared for by one of Ms. Rodriguez’s longtime friends, Carla Gagliotti of East Hampton, which had been their mother’s wish. Ms. Rodriguez was diagnosed with lung cancer in September, by which time it had metastasized, leaving little time to make plans. 

 Ms. Gagliotti said she is going to do her best to foster the kids, who have always known her as Aunt Carla. It is unclear, however, how long they will be able to live with her. A nursing assistant with the Catholic Guardian Society, Ms. Gagliotti is a divorced mother of a 17-year-old who lives at home and a 22-year-old. She also raised her nieces for four years. “For me, it’s one day at a time,” she said.

Colin and Katalina are in the eighth and sixth grades at the Springs School, and Ms. Gagliotti hopes they will be able to finish the school year there. School administrators have arranged for transportation to and from her house.

Allison Lupo of Amagansett started a GoFundMe.com account on Saturday to help raise money for the children. Just one day after it began, the drive had raised over $2,000. As of yesterday, $3,500 had been pledged.

Lucas Rodriguez, Ms. Rodriguez’s cousin, has also set up an account for them. Checks can be sent to him at 55 Glade Road, East Hampton 11937.