About Vasco Forever Helping Families

Discover the heartfelt journeys behind Vasco Forever helping families through inspiring stories and images.

Cynthia Loredo and Vasco Forever Helping Families

Cynthia's Story

On Monday, November 6, 2017, my life changed forever. My husband, Castulo Jr., to whom I had been married for 35 years, was involved in a tragic car crash. Receiving a phone call from a hospital social worker left me in complete shock.

The drive to the hospital felt endless, each passing moment filled with desperate prayers that Castulo (Jr) would be okay. Upon entering the ICU, I barely recognized the broken man before me, but I knew it was my husband.

A few seconds of distraction were all it took to alter our lives irreparably. I spent over seven hours in the hospital, hoping and praying that Jr would pull through. Those moments of negligence, combined with the hours in the hospital, resulted in medical bills exceeding $1,000,000.

This foundation was established to bring awareness to the dangers of Vasco Road and to advocate for improved safety measures on this road and other highways. Through advocacy, education, and action, we aim to prevent such tragedies from happening to others.

Additionally, we honor the victims of Vasco Road by offering financial assistance to those affected. Whether it’s for medical bills, hospital expenses, or funeral costs, we strive to ease the burden on families navigating the aftermath of such devastating events. As someone who has experienced the pain and financial strain at the hands of negligent drivers and Vasco Road, I am committed to supporting others through this foundation.

Tammy Zickuhr and

Vasco Forever Helping Families

April 19th, 2009, is a day forever etched in our hearts—a day of profound sorrow and loss. The morning began in a spirit of faith and gratitude as we gathered at church. Timmy was on the platform, sharing communion and giving glory to God, speaking of forgiveness and salvation to our congregation. It was a time of peace and reflection, basking in God's grace.

But that peace was shattered with a single phone call—a parent's worst nightmare. The call brought unimaginable news: our daughter Michaela had been in a car crash and didn't survive. In that moment, the world as we knew it was forever changed. Confusion, disbelief, and heartbreak overwhelmed us as we struggled to comprehend the words. "What do you mean? How can this be?" we asked, over and over again.

In Michaela's honor, and those that have lost a loved one Vasco Forever Helping Families, a cause that is deeply personal to us. This initiative is dedicated to educating others about safe driving, the dangers of driving under the influence, and how a single moment can alter lives forever. Through this work, we aim to prevent other families from experiencing the pain we endured and to support those who have been impacted by similar tragedies.

Tammy's Story

A Life-Changing Moment on Vasco Road

Katie’s Story

In 2022, 19-year-old college student Katie Canales was making her usual early morning drive to class—a route she had taken many times along the winding Vasco Road. Just 20 minutes into her commute, tragedy struck.

A large metal object was kicked up from another vehicle and blasted through Katie's windshield, striking her directly in the face. The impact knocked her unconscious. With no center divider on Vasco Road, her car veered into oncoming traffic and crashed into the left-side barrier. It was a terrifying moment made even more dangerous by the design of the road—had there been any vehicles approaching in the opposite direction, the outcome could have been fatal for Katie and others.

Miraculously, Katie regained consciousness and, despite severe injuries and disorientation, managed to steer her vehicle across the highway to the right-hand shoulder. She then called 911—and her mother.

Her mom, Christine Canales, recalls the overwhelming fear and helplessness of that call. Her child on the other line was crying for help. A Good Samaritan who witnessed the accident stopped to help and stayed with Katie until emergency services arrived, offering calm and support at an otherwise chaotic moment.

Katie was rushed to the hospital with unknown injuries. Later she was scheduled for surgery for broken cheekbones, nose and jaw, which had to be wired shut. She endured tremendous pain, a long recovery, and may still require further procedures in the future. Yet through it all, she showed incredible strength.

Her family, shaken but grateful, was surrounded by an outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and the community. They know how close this came to being a very different story.

Katie’s experience is a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change—and how dangerous Vasco Road remains without a center divider to separate traffic. Her survival is nothing short of a miracle, and her story serves as a call for continued awareness, compassion, and action to protect those who travel this road every day.

Promoting safe driving and community awareness initiatives.

The Vasco Forever Helping Families is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Federal ID #33-1821665. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

*Bylaws are under construction

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