In just one day, more than $1,700 was raised to help cover funeral and travel expense costs for friends and family of East Aurora High School graduate Marine Cpl. Sara A. Medina, who was killed May 12 while providing relief to victims of the Nepal earthquake.
Medina, 23, a combat photographer, was one of the six Marines killed in a helicopter crash.
“Though her life was cut short, her compassion, love, kindness, and unique personality will live in our hearts forever,” Marine friend Christina Wheeler wrote on the fundraising page.
Because Medina was stationed in Japan, she has many friends and Marine Corps family wanting to attend her service stateside, Wheeler said.
“It is extremely painful for her family and friends right now,” she wrote. “We, her Combat Camera family, are hoping to relieve at least the financial burden that comes with planning a funeral and travel expenses.”
The Indiegogo fundraiser’s goal is to raise $5,000.
“Please find it in your heart to provide to allow her friends and family to grieve with less worry” Wheeler wrote. “There are many stories and cherished moments we will never forget. The world has lost an earthly angel, but gained one in heaven.”
Medina and five other passengers aboard the helicopter were assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The squadron was in the Philippines on a training mission when the Marines and their aircraft were redirected to the relief mission in Nepal.
Medina’s family said she was involved in the East Aurora District 131 Junior ROTC program at East Aurora High School. They said she knew in high school that she wanted to join the Marines and pursued anything she had a passion for. She enlisted in November 2010, according to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
She was engaged to a fellow Marine from Colorado, and planned to marry in August, according to her brother, Carlos Medina.
East Aurora School District spokesman Matt Hanley said it is still too early to tell what the district might be doing in response to Medina’s death.
To donate, go to https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/in-memory-of-cpl-sara-medina-usmc/x/10838889
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