Fundraiser For Gaithersburg Couple Caught In NZ Volcanic Eruption

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The community is rallying around a Gaithersburg couple who were severely injured in New Zealand's deadly volcanic eruption this month, according to multiple media outlets.

A GoFundMe page created by the family has already raised more than $25,500. It was launched Dec. 12 — three days after Ivy Kohn Reed and Rick Reed were rescued from White Island.

The volcano of White Island — a popular tourist destination off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island — erupted Dec. 9, killing 19 and stranding several others, according to multiple media outlets.

The Reeds "suffered severe burns" after getting caught in the volcanic eruption, the GoFundMe organizer said.

"Their tour group had already visited the crater, so they were walking away," Barry Kohn, brother of Ivy Kohn Reed, told WTOP. "Which is, in essence, what probably saved their lives — that they were a little further away."

The couple are reportedly recovering at an after-care burn unit in Auckland, New Zealand. They are expected to stay there for at least the next six weeks, according to family.

As of 4:30 p.m. ET Monday, the GoFundMe page has raised $25,992 of its $35,000 goal.

The organizer says donations will help cover the couple's medical expenses.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.