A GoFundMe campaign established to support the infant daughter of Erin Piacenti, tragically killed in a random act of violence in Times Square, has exceeded expectations and is now aiming to raise $1.2 million. The campaign, which launched after Erin’s untimely death on August 31, has garnered widespread support from the community, with donations reaching nearly $1.1 million as of mid-September.
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Erin Piacenti, 32, was stabbed fatally in a shocking incident that occurred just after she completed her first day back at work following maternity leave. On that fateful day, she had been targeted by 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros, who attacked her shortly before 4:30 PM. The brutal act came just five months after Erin and her husband, Frank, welcomed their daughter, Madison.
In the wake of this devastating tragedy, a GoFundMe was created with the original goal of raising $750,000 to assist in the upbringing of Madison. The outpouring of solidarity from the public has been overwhelming, with notable contributions from companies such as Bloomingdale’s, The Rockefeller Group, and Major League Baseball, all offering $5,000. A particularly generous anonymous donation of $50,000 was made shortly after the fundraiser started, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting Madison.
A statement from the Piacenti and Guiltinan families, released shortly after Erin’s death, expressed their profound grief. They requested privacy during this sorrowful time while also appreciating the wave of support. The families created the GoFundMe as an alternative to floral tributes, intending for the funds to primarily benefit Erin’s infant daughter, ensuring that Madison grows up surrounded by love, stories, and memories of her mother.
As the campaign gathers momentum, its fundraising goal has been adjusted to $1.2 million, reflecting the immense support received from those touched by Erin’s tragic story. The emotional response highlights not just individual sympathies but a collective desire to contribute to a family undergoing unimaginable grief.
Erin’s brother-in-law, who initiated the GoFundMe, described her lifelong dream of motherhood. He noted that Madison had brought Erin unparalleled joy, emphasising the couple’s dedication to providing a loving home for their daughter. Not long before Erin’s passing, the family moved from their Upper East Side apartment to a new home in Chester, New Jersey, in preparation for a life filled with family and love.
The incident that stole Erin’s life occurred shortly after she was attacked. Just moments earlier, 68-year-old Tak Kam had also been stabbed by Cisneros as he exited the subway. Kam, who was visiting his son in New York City, was taken to Bellevue Hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries.
The intervention from nearby police officers was pivotal; they encountered Cisneros shortly after Erin was stabbed. Officers ordered her to drop the knives she wielded, but when she advanced towards them brandishing a weapon, they were compelled to shoot her, resulting in her death.
Cisneros had no prior criminal record; however, she had a documented history of mental health issues, which included previous encounters with the NYPD for public intoxication and a possible suicide attempt. The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, with Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressing the concerning nature of such random violence.
The heartfelt responses to the GoFundMe campaign signify not only an outpouring of support for Madison but also raise awareness about the tragedy of knife crime in urban settings. As Erin’s story resonates within the community, it serves to highlight the profound impact of violence on families and the critical importance of supporting those left behind in the wake of such tragedies.
As the donations keep pouring in, the GoFundMe remains a testament to a community rallying around a grieving family and a reminder of the enduring legacy of a mother deeply loved who will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her, particularly her precious daughter.