Girl, 17, Loses 2 Parents In 8 Months: 'I Cannot Fathom The Pain'

RIVERHEAD, NY — The community is coming together to help a girl, 17, who lost both of her parents in just a few short months.

A GoFundMe page, "Help Giovanna 'Gigi' Maffetone" has been organized by James Reister of Calverton to help the teen, who attends Riverhead High School.

"A person near and dear to my family needs your help," he wrote. "Giovanna 'GiGi' Maffetone, 17, has sadly lost both of her parents in less than a year. She is my daughter's best friend and just started her senior year at Riverhead High School with the rest of her life ahead of her."

Gigi's mother, Michel Prevete, died on January 9 of complications due to COVID-19, Reister wrote. "And now tragically and unexpectedly her father, Thomas Maffetone, has passed due to health complications on September 25."

GiGi, he said, "is strong, smart, and the sweetest, kindest kid. Please find it in your hearts to give anything to help her with her future. I cannot fathom the pain she must feel but we are by her side every step of the way."

Her older brother Gavin and other relatives are doing everything they can to make life as normal as possible, Reister said.

"God bless this child and God bless the people who can help her," Reister said.

Penny Maffetone said Tommy was her husband Mike's brother; the family lost both him and the family patriarch this year, as well. "It's such a shame," she said. "She is only 17 and lost both her parents within eight months."

To donate, click here.

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