How can I get financial aid when my mother passed away?

Hi President Barrack Obama,
My name is Bernier Patterson and I've been trying to go to college for a long time. I've been accepted to Ashford University Online and my class starts Tuesday, October 13, 2009. I just found out today Saturday, October 10, 2009 that I need to provide more information for me to go to school. My mom passed away Monday, July 13, 2009 and I had already filled out my FAFSA application sometime in April. The financial aid office at this school told me that I had to wait for a decision that would make me independent so that I can receive financial aid for me to go to school. The decision will take anywhere between thirty to ninety days and I really dont want to put my life on hold that long. I have two sisters, three brothers, and and a cousin who is like my brother. I hope my stepfather take care of them and everything and I just wanted to know if there was anything that you could do to help me. I know you have more important things than this that deserves your attention. However, can you please help me I really want to go to school and I just wanted to know if there was anything you could do.
Thanks,
A US citizen
Bernier Patterson