Theresa has lived in the Parish since she was 16 years old.She along with her husband Francisco,
their four children and two grandchildren hope to eventually all be reunited in the home they left the day before Hurricane
Katrina changed their lives forever.Before the storm, Theresa, a Spanish speaker, worked diligently raising
her children and interpreting for new residents to the Parish who did not speak English.One day before
the storm, Theresa and Francisco packed up their car and headed for safety in Texas.The highways were
so crowded that their escape took three long days.After a three-month stay in Texas, Theresa and her family
longed to return to the area she had known most of her life.The Pellereano’s returned to New Orleans
and stayed across the river from St. Bernard Parish for 16 months, where they still reside, with their youngest daughter and
grandchild, while she works her way through school. The Pellereano’s hope they will be able to reunite their displaced
family once their house has been completed.Though this family has faced many obstacles, Theresa advises
others to never give up, there is always hope.
