2011 has brought many tragedies from natural disasters to man made mistakes to many people around the world, fortunately for the Siggia Family who are so loved by the residents of there community and neighboring towns that the Respect people have for them only began to show as hundereds attended the funeral services for there beloved father James Siggia. This is only the beginning of a very long recovery for the rest of the Siggia Family..
Dear friends and family of Janets, There has been a donation account set up for Janet at Wells Fargo Bank. You can make a donation in any state at any Wells Fargo and the money will go directly into Janets donation account. if you choose to mail a check, the address is wells Fargo Bank, Attention: Janet Siggia donation Fund, 1294 Route 739, Milford Pa 18337. We all know that times are very tough for everyone but please know that any donation, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated and graciously accepted. If you can help in spreading the word for us through your address book, you have out heartfelt thanks!
Story Below By Beth Brelje
Home-cooked dinners left near the door were a welcomed sight to Janet Siggia's weary family, returning home to Milford last week from Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.
It was the first of what would be many hospital trips to watch over Siggia, 45, who suffered chemical burns over much of her body when her estranged husband, James Siggia, 60, attacked her with a caustic liquid and then killed himself a week ago at their Dingmans Ferry business, the Side Street Tavern.
"I don't know who set (the meals) up, but it's been going on for a week," said Janet Siggia's sister, Kelly Morgan, who lives in Milford. "We were sent a letter that it will continue, and if we are not home, they will leave the meals in a cooler near the door."
"I think Milford is filled with hundreds of angels right now from all the help we've received," said Morgan, who is handling Siggia's affairs during her long recovery.
Siggia remains in the intensive care unit, Morgan said. Doctors expect her to be in the hospital burn unit for 10 months before being moved to a rehabilitation facility.
At least 25 surgeries are expected. One of those surgeries will, they hope, be a cornea transplant to restore vision lost in one eye. The extent of the injury in Siggia's other eye is unknown.
"She lost part of an ear," Morgan said. "She has a nub of an ear. They will try to rebuild it so she can put eyeglasses on."
Siggia also has lost mobility in one arm. While this parent of three young-adult sons (two in college) and one high school-aged daughter is in the hospital, offers of help to cook, clean and do laundry have amazed the family.
"My nephew said, 'I feel like I have five moms on my block,'" Morgan said.
Help from everywhere
Help is coming from many directions.
Hundreds of people attended James Siggia's funeral. There, a tavern customer handed Morgan an envelope explaining that a fund has been set up in Janet Siggia's name to help with expenses. Donations may be made by mentioning her name at any Wells Fargo Bank.
"I can't tell you how many local contractors are willing to help do anything to get the (tavern) open again," Morgan said. She anticipates it will be open in a week to 10 days.
It is important to keep the business running so Siggia's children are taken care of and so that she has a livelihood to come home to, Morgan said.
A benefit bike run for the family is in the works, a bake sale will soon be held at Apple Valley Restaurant, Mount Haven Restaurant will donate $1 for every pizza sold, and jugs bearing Siggia's photo will be placed in local businesses to collect money, Morgan said.
She believes the outpouring of support comes from the many people who have been touched by James and Janet Siggia through the years.
The couple held eight to 10 fundraisers at the tavern each year to benefit others. James was president of Dingman/Delaware Recreation Committee, a coach for Dingman Delaware Little League and founder, president and coach for Dingman Football League.
"They know everybody in this town," Morgan said, and they both did much to help people. That is how she wants James to be remembered.
"I would never want my brother-in-law to be defined by a tragedy that happened. He's done too much good in his life to be judged by one day — by one bad decision," Morgan said.
Re/Max One
110 Hemlock Farms Rd.
Route 739
Lords Valley, PA 18428
Office: (570)775-6110
Cell: (845)406-1776
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated
Emma Djiya
RB066534
|