On the night of January 21st, a horrible fire broke out in my sister Paula’s apartment complex. Though the fire started downstairs, it quickly moved into the surrounding 3 units, including my sister’s upstairs unit. My sister, my mom Nita, and my 5 year old niece Ruby were all home when they suddenly heard panic outside. The fire had quickly spread and thankfully my brother in law Tony was just getting home from a run. He was able to kick down the door and get all 3 of them out safely.

Tragically their sweet kitties, Reynaldo and Praline, were lost in the fire. My mom tried to get them out, but they barely escaped themselves. This is an unfathomable tragedy, especially for my niece who called them her babies.

All of their belongings were also lost. Besides the tragedy of losing all their items that had sentimental value and can never be replaced, they also both work from home and lost their work equipment.

Just writing this and being on the other side getting the phone call, my heart has been absolutely broken. I cannot imagine the pain they’re going through having almost lost their lives, and now needing to completely rebuild. I’m starting this in hopes that through community, we can at least help make the financial burden of this tragedy lessened.