State Senator Raises Nearly $200K for Kids in Critical Condition from Hammer Attack

New York Sen. Iwen Chu is inviting the community to help out a Brooklyn family in the aftermath of a brutal hammer attack.

The tragic incident, which occurred in Sunset Park on Aug. 23, took the life of stay-at-home mother, Zhao Zhao, and left two children — 5-year-old David and 3-year-old Sophie — critically injured.

As a response to the horrific situation, Chu has set up a GoFundMe for the children and their grieving father, Jing Hong Liu. The GoFundMe has raised more than $171,000 of its $200,000 goal. 

Chu worked with the nonprofit organization, Parent-Child Relationship Association, to set up the account in an effort to assist the family.

Recently, Chu and PCR President Nicole Huang visited Liu at Bellevue Hospital, where his children remain in the intensive care unit. While David has since woken up, Sophie continues to be in critical condition, fighting a lung infection.

While speaking with Chu and Huang, Liu said he is unable to focus on the future, and instead his thoughts are of hope that both of his kids can pull through their difficult situations.

“Whatever happens next, we will face it together and provide the best care I can offer to my children,” said Liu.

In addition to the GoFundMe, Chu says that she has secured an attorney for the family, who will help them to set up a trust fund to ensure that the donations go towards funding the children’s medical, housing and educational needs.

“I am heartbroken. As a mother myself, I cannot begin to imagine what Mr. Liu is going through”, said Chu. “Seeing them in such pain breaks my heart into pieces. I thank PCR for taking care of the family. I am grateful to partner with them to help Mr. Liu and his children through this unimaginably challenging time.” 

The GoFundMe donation page can be found here.