Priscila Alvares Pereira Dos Santos saw a child drowning in the Delaware River by Delran, NJ and went into the water to save her. She reached the girl and helped get her safely toward shore. Priscila never made it back.

Today would have been her 34th birthday.

She leaves behind her husband and two children, ages 9 and 3.

In a matter of moments, Alex lost his wife and partner, and two young children lost their mother.

For everyone who knew Priscila, what happened is heartbreaking - but her instinct to help someone else was completely consistent with the woman she was.

Priscila was a loving and devoted mother, a wife, a woman of faith, a loyal friend, and someone who worked incredibly hard for her family. Originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, she came to the United States approximately five years ago determined to build a better future for her children.

She cleaned homes for a living and worked hard to support the life she and Alex were building together.

Her children were the center of her world.

Friends remember Priscila as joyful, strong, generous and always willing to help someone with her words, her time or her actions. She loved taking her children out and watching them enjoy parks, beaches, lakes and the simple experiences that made them happy.

Her youngest child is only 3 years old and is autistic. Priscila played an especially important role in his daily care and support.

Alex has now lost his wife and partner and suddenly faces the unimaginable task of raising their two young children without their mother. He has been unable to work during the search and aftermath of this tragedy and will now be solely responsible for supporting and caring for their children.

We are raising money to give Alex and the children stability in the difficult days and years ahead.

Donations will help with:

Funeral and memorial expenses
Rent, food and immediate household expenses
Lost income while Alex cares for his family
Childcare and the children's ongoing needs
Additional care and support for their 3-year-old
Family travel related to Priscila's death
Long-term financial stability for both children
Future educational expenses for the children

Alex, Priscila's husband and the father of their children, is the beneficiary of this fundraiser and will receive the funds directly. This campaign has been created with the family's full authorization.

Priscila’s final act was helping another child make it safely back to her family.

We are asking the community to now help protect the future of the two children Priscila could not return home to.

Every donation will go directly toward helping Alex provide stability, care and a future for their children. If you cannot donate, please share Priscila’s story.