Editor's note: This is an installment in the Asbury Park Press' "Helping Hands" series, in which we publish the stories of those at the Shore who find themselves in need and ask our readers to provide what help they can. Scroll to the bottom of the story for more information about this initiative.

Gaspare Randazzo was out to dinner with friends in California when his phone rang. It was the kind of call no one ever wants to get.

“You have to step outside,” his stepfather Eddie Santos said. “I have bad news.”

It was real bad: Gaspare’s mom, Filomena Santos, had a cooking accident in her Toms River home. She suffered third-degree burns over much of her body.

“Worst day of my life,” said Randazzo, a 22-year-old student at the University of Southern California.

That was July 28. He flew home and visited her a few days later at The Burn Center at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Filomena, who is 46, remains in a medically induced coma as she undergoes a series of surgeries.

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“I was talking to her like she could hear me, but she was out the whole time,” Randazzo said. “I couldn’t recognize my mom. It hurt, but at the same time I understand the situation, and I understand being upset and crying is not going to make the situation better. And I know she wouldn’t want me to be upset.”

As Filomena faces a long road ahead, family members and friends are rallying to raise money for medical expenses. She has health insurance, but out-of-pocket costs related to the catastrophe still could reach astronomical levels.

They are asking members of the community for help.

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An uncertain future

Filomena Santos was chasing her dream. Last year, she left a career in accounting to study nursing at Kean University’s Ocean County College campus.

“She really cares about people, and felt she could do it really well,” Randazzo said.

On July 28, she was alone at home cooking dinner on the stove when the accident occurred. Ralph Stocco, spokesman for the Toms River Police Department, said a can of cooking spray near the stove overheated and exploded. The explosion ignited a fire that quickly engulfed Santos, who ran out the front door screaming for help.

“There were a few people outside who saw her screaming,” Randazzo said. “They came and helped her immediately. Usually no one’s outside, so it was kind of a miracle that people were actually there.”

She was airlifted to St. Barnabas.

“We’re not sure how back-to-normal she’ll ever be,” Randazzo said. “The big question with her now, two things: Will she have her eyesight? And will he have feeling in her right hand again?”

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A GoFundMe page sprang up immediately. Nicole Timpani, a family friend, reported in the initial post that Santos suffered third-degree burns over 45 percent of her body.

"Support is greatly needed," Timpani wrote. “This is such a special family and would be the first one in line to help another."

'Everyone is rooting for her'

The GoFundMe’s goal is $300,000. Aside from life-saving health care and ensuing rehabilitation, other factors into the accident’s financial toll will include plastic surgery, lost wages and repairs to the fire-damaged home.

“Right now, everything is up in the air,” Randazzo said of the cost.

For the time being, Filomena’s 15-year-old daughter Gabriella is staying with an aunt who lives in Toms River. Eddie Santos, who works as an electrician in New York City, has remained by his wife’s bedside.

Through the first 10 days, the GoFundMe appeal raised nearly $9,000 from 111 donors.

“We have a huge fan base for her,” Randazzo said. “Everyone is rooting for her. Everybody is there for us, which is really very much appreciated.”

To contribute, visit www.gofundme.com/mena039s-recovery.

About 'Helping Hands'

Do you know someone who could use help, with anything from food to clothing donations to needed home repairs?

If their needs can be verified through a Shore area nonprofit, they could be selected to have their story published in our "Helping Hands" series, and we'll ask readers to pitch in and provide.

Email Regional Director of Engagement Alesha Williams Boyd at awilliams@app.com with the subject line "Helping Hands" to help us connect those in need with the help they need.

Carino’s Corner appears Mondays in the Asbury Park Press. Contact Jerry at jcarino@gannettnj.com.