Genevieve Floristal, a 42-year-old Haitian woman, died on Friday, January 25th, 2002, after being rescued from an apartment fire in Adelphi, Maryland. She managed to safely evacuate her 4-year-old son, but got caught in the fire after she returned to rescue her 3-year-old daughter, Juliana Cheriza. Juliana remains in critical condition at Washington Children's Hospital.

Prince George's County firefighters, responding to an afternoon call, found heavy smoke coming from the three-story apartment house on the 9300 block of 19th Avenue. According to department spokesman, firefighters found Genevieve and Juliana inside their apartment. Neither of them was breathing, but firefighters were able to revive them. Genevieve died of cardiac arrest at Washington Hospital Center.

Her husband Jean Cheriza, who was at work at the time of the fire, survives her, along with her son Alexander Cheriza. Neighbors describe Genevieve as a woman who "always had a smile." The fire destroyed all their belongings. According to Jean Cheriza, speaking to Channel 9 Eyewitness news, Genevieve was a strong woman who was the head of the household.

An account has been set up at SunTrust Bank (#704 731 797) for those in the community who would like to help. We wish the Cheriza family the best, and may God bless Genevieve Floristal.

SunTrust Bank
Attn.: Katia Lubin
1700 Elton Rd.
Silver Spring, MD 20903

Please email us for more information.