GoFundMe Set Up For Children Who Lost Both Parents In 8 Months

NEW LENOX, IL — When Brandon Sorensen died Feb. 23, he left behind a wife and two young sons. The family had not even begun to grieve the loss of Brandon when his wife and mother of the two boys, Melanie Moak, died Dec. 1o, just eight months later.

The devastating loss has left twins Brayden and Ryder, 9, without their parents. Moms Club in New Lenox has stepped in to help the young brothers by creating a GoFundMe page for the boys, said President of Moms Club New Lenox Gretchen Valenta.

"She was just the most selfless person I've known," Valenta said. "She's been part of our Moms Club for the past four-and-a-half years. We always have a focus on a service project, and this last year during this time she came up with the idea of doing Blessing Bags for the homeless. So, she has always just thought of other people. She was always so caring and giving, and she had the biggest heart. She always went above and beyond for her boys. They were the world to her. "

Moms Club of New Lenox is collecting funds to raise money for funeral expenses, the boy's education and other financial needs.

So far, the GoFundMe page has collected more than $10,000 out of its $20,000 goal.

Moms Club of New Lenox is a community of local stay-at-home who plan monthly service projects and fundraisers, Valenta said.

Brayden and Ryder are currently in the care of relatives, Valenta said.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page.

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