Help Dee and Austin!

Dear Friends and Family,

I’m reaching out to let you know that my sister Dee and her family have been severely impacted by the recent Eaton Canyon Fires. I’ve started this GoFundMe to help support them through this incredibly difficult time.

In 2022, Dee made the decision to move to Altadena in hopes of providing her son Austin with a diverse community where he would make black and brown friends with his neighbors and at his school—a place where he wasn’t the minority. They found that in Altadena, on McNally Ave., a quiet street where Austin quickly bonded with his new best friend. Unfortunately, that same friend, along with so many others in the neighborhood, has lost his home to the fire.

Though Dee’s home is still standing, it has sustained significant damage from smoke and heat, and the fire completely destroyed their garage. The entire neighborhood has been devastated. The air is currently filled with toxins, and the city’s planned demolition of large sections of the area means it will be uninhabitable for at least 6-9 months, if not longer.

Austin’s school, Aveson, was also affected. One of their campuses was destroyed, and Austin’s campus was damaged. While Aveson is doing everything they can to support their students, Austin is now transitioning to remote learning, which is a big adjustment for him—especially since this is the second time in his 12 years that he’s had to face such a shift.

Dee and Austin, along with their dog Diego, are currently staying with our mom in Pasadena, which we’re grateful for. However, they’ve lost a lot and still have a long road ahead.

This GoFundMe is to help them with the expenses that insurance won’t cover, and other costs that come with having a home that is still standing, but uninhabitable. Any contribution, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated. If you're unable to donate, simply sharing this page with others would mean so much.

Thank you for your support during this challenging time.

With gratitude,

Marikit