Community raises nearly $8K for Coram teens who lost mom to breast cancer

Long Islanders and beyond have raised nearly $8,000 for teenage sisters who lost their mother to cancer after caring for her during three years of treatment.

Kyara, 15, and 13-year-old Keyla now live with their grandmother and aunt in wake of the April 9 death of their mom, Josefina Hernandez.

Funeral services for Hernandez were held on Friday at Robertaccio Funeral Home in Patchogue. A touching tribute slideshow to the 50-year-old mother is posted on her obituary page.

The GoFundMe campaign launched by the girls’ aunt, Yesly Ovalles of Terryville, has drawn dozens of donations toward a $10,000 goal for funeral expenses and psychological counseling.

“Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference for Kyara and Keyla as they begin to rebuild their lives,” Ovalles wrote on the fundraiser page.

Her daughters emerged as her primary caregivers, said their aunt. They administered medicine, prepared meals and provided constant support.

“They showed a maturity and devotion far beyond their years,” Ovalles wrote.

Hernandez was rushed to the hospital this month with severe pain and breathing difficulties. After exhausting treatment options, she made the decision to stop further interventions.

Ovalles lamented that Hernandez’s girls now face rebuilding their lives without their mother.

“Both Kyara and Keyla are now staying with us, and we are doing our best to support them during this transition,” Ovalles wrote. “They are struggling emotionally and need psychological support to help them heal.”

_{Top: courtesy of GoFundMe}