







UPDATE -
It is with great sadness we share Eileen Mendez, passed away on August 18, 2023 due to complications from her burns. Her family, friends, and OCPS colleagues are devastated and work to deal with this loss. Eileen was a beautiful soul and loved working with children. She lit up a room when teaching and was loved by hundreds of students over her years in education. A service to celebrate the life of Eileen is currently being planned. Details on the service will come in the near future.
On the same day of Eileen’s passing, there was positive news as Baby Luca was released from the hospital. Originally Luca was the one with the most concerning injuries, but he recovered quickly once in the Miami Burn Trauma Unit. He is now with his grandparents and Godmother (another OCPS employee) in Orlando and his condition continues to improve each day.
On that same day, husband Luis was taken off ECMO but remains sedated and has not woken since the explosion. The doctors are slowly lowering the sedation as appropriate. Luis still has a long road with many procedures ahead, but at this time is stable.
The Mendez family thanks everyone for their financial support. The funds assisted in paying for meals for the family while they were at the hospital, family bills to maintain the home, and for medical bills. The funds will also assist in paying for the Celebration of Life service for Eileen. As one can imagine, the bills will continue to stack up for Luis and Luca. Any continued financial support, thoughts, and prayers are appreciated.
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