NJ Mother Gives Birth To 3rd Son, Dies Of COVID-19 Days Later

PATERSON, NJ — Joanna Jimenez gave birth to her third son in February, but the joyful moment was marked with tragedy.

Just days later Jimenez, who became ill with COVID-19 while eight months pregnant, died from complications of the virus, according to a GoFundMe page set up in her honor.

The organizer of the page, Cynthia Sanchez, called Jimenez "a light of love, peace, and positivity which illuminated everyone around her."

She is survived by her three sons, husband Chad Augustus and numerous other family and friends.

The GoFundMe was established to "provide some support" for the family left mourning, and has already generated $40,305 in the six days it's been active.

A link to the page can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hel...

Her death has had an overwhelming effect on those close to her, who Sanchez said are "heartbroken to pieces."

"I'm just trying to stay strong...every day I want to let my emotions out, but I'm trying to stay strong for the kids and the family," Augustus told ABC 7 in a recent interview.

But the devastating news has travelled beyond North Jersey.

At least 1,000 people have shared the fundraiser, and donations have come pouring in from members of the community, as well as those who don't know the Jimenez family.

"My heart breaks for your family. I am so sorry for your incredible loss. May you find some sort of solace in knowing that so many people that do not know you personally, care about you," wrote one donor.

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