My dear friends, I call on you for thoughts, vibes, manifestations, prayers, whatever it is you do. My best friend, Katie, and her family lost everything Friday night.

Katie and McKinley were in Lincoln for a barrel race when she received a horrific call at 1:00 AM that her house was engulfed in flames. Everything they have is a total loss.

The beautiful house in Fordyce, NE, where they have raised their beautiful family, is gone.

Luckily, her family and fur friends were all safe, and that’s what matters most. However, all they have is the clothes on their backs and an overwhelming fear of what will happen next.

Katie and Tom, and their four kids, have been the most amazing family since the second they were brought into my life. I love their kids like they are my own. Katie was brought into my life through the MSN program. She works to bring education and safety to the mental health community and future nurses in Yankton, SD. Tom works hard to bring money in through his concrete business.

Riggin will be in 7th grade, McKinley in 6th, Rustin in 4th, and Roger in 1st. These poor kids have to navigate their emotions in learning what this loss is and how they have nothing.

If you feel it in your heart, I would love to coordinate donations, but as I said, even your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

To assist Katie and Tom with donations, this GoFundMe is being created to assist with: clothes, food, toys, and whatever immediate needs they will have as they navigate this devastating loss.

Today, Katie and McKinley loaded up to go “home,” whatever that is, and be reunited with the rest of the family during this trying time.

*****While insurance may help with rebuilding over time, the family has immediate needs after losing everything in the fire. Donations will help provide clothing, food, temporary housing, school supplies, household essentials, and support as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.