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'Tis the season to help
Community coming together to aid local family
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| | | By Jennifer Choi | | |
November 19, 2008 | 01:02 PM
On Oct. 3, 2007, Anna Mojica of East Setauket gave birth to her fifth child, Ava. Just a week later, the mother suffered a stroke that put her in a coma. She has never regained consciousness.
Now, more than a year since that fateful day, Anna's husband, Robert Mojica, invites everyone to attend the Mojica Family Fundraiser to help a family in need. The event will take place Nov. 22 from 1 to 5 pm at the University Café, located in the Student Union building of Stony Brook University. Attendees will enjoy dancing, face painting and an appearance by Dora and SpongeBob from 2 to 3 pm for $25 per person, $40 per couple and $5 per child.
Robert Mojica, a self-employed mortgage banker, noted that he is suffering a "double whammy" due to the current economic crisis. He has also become the "laundry-doer" and the "dinner cooker" for his children: Kaitlin, 19, Joseph, 14, Robert, 11, Coco, 5, and Ava, 1.
With Anna previously serving as the housewife and he as the "breadwinner," his family was always "financially stable," Mojica said. "I'm not used to being in this position at all, so it's very, very tough," he added, thanking everyone in the local community who has lent a helping hand. In addition to those at SBU's University Café who have offered the space at no cost, the Country Kitchen and Stop & Shop Supermarket in East Setauket are also joining in the fundraising efforts.
According to Mojica, 20 percent of all purchases at the Country Kitchen on Dec. 2, 3 and 5 will be donated to the family, and proceeds from raffle sales at the Stop & Shop starting Dec. 1 will be provided to the family as well.
During this tough time, the father of five said he is very open and honest with his children. "Kids are quite resilient," Mojica said. "They have their questions, but they knew everything I knew because I didn't want to hide anything from them."
Anna, who was transferred to a nursing home in Smithtown after being treated at Stony Brook University Medical Center, is now a "comfort and care patient," Mojica said, meaning her comfort level will be maintained until she passes away peacefully without further medical treatment. Neurosurgeons at the Stony Brook hospital have said there is no hope for recovery, he said.
"She is the most giving individual I've ever met in my life," Mojica said about his wife. The husband recalled the many parties she hosted in their family home, including an annual breakfast with Santa Claus during the holidays when children of friends and family gathered to receive gifts Anna had purchased.
She did things "all to make everybody happy," he noted. "Anna was the sweetest, kindest woman I've ever met in my life."
Tickets for the Nov. 22 Mojica Family Fundraiser can be purchased at the door, by calling 882-3311 or 516-381-3032, or by emailing hedonena801@yahoo.com. Those who cannot attend the event but would like to make a contribution may also call or email.
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