On May 31, 2020, I got a distressing call from our little brother, saying that our sister's house (renter not owner) was on fire. My sister was away getting groceries from the store for dinner, and was unaware that her home was on fire until she too got the call. My sister left urgently, scared, and worried not only about her home but, her daughter (my 9 year old niece), our mom's dog Frankie, and our cousin who was watching them were in the house as the house was on fire. Neighbors came together and tried to hose the house down to help until the San Jose Fire Department could get there, and were able to help my niece, our beloved family pet Frankie, and cousin escape the fire unharmed.

Upon inspection, The San Jose Fire Department deemed the house uninhabitable due to the smoke, water, and fire damage. Ceilings were torn in the kitchen, dining/living room. Her carpet, and kitchen flooring were lifted, and had severe damage. 80% of their personal items were effected from it as well. Firefighters were able to save a few items; but my family had lost their major personal items like: work tools, laptops, tv, washer, dryer, the refrigerator, clothing, blankets, kitchen ware, even my Niece's 9th birthday gift (a bicycle) that was given to her just a few weeks ago. Our brother who was renovating his room had most of his possessions in the garage at the time, and had been effected by the fire the most. -- My sister also was renting, and never got to obtain Renter's insurance, as being a new renter.

My family had walked away with nothing but the clothes on their back, and some sentimental values that weren't apart of the fire like our mom's pictures, and some of her paintings. We were also blessed that the fire hadn't spread so far to where our mothers ashes were effected. I want everyone to know that my sister works hard to take care of herself, and her daughter.  She has always helped her friends and family out whenever they needed including myself and our little brother who went through a life changing surgery (kidney transplant) in 2015. Raising money to help us get back on our feet as we faced the second chance at life.

We as a family have been through so much in the last few years, from my sudden Kidney failure, then passing Grandparents and  Mother who were all sick with Cancer or an unknown illness. Our hearts are continuously grieving, and trying to heal from one tragedy after another. This was beyond shocking, and devastating to us all. I ask that family, friends, and our community to come together as one to help my Siblings, and niece as they are now in search of a new home after this tragedy. It is so important to me, and to the rest of my family that we help them not only because they're  our family, but because the global health crisis we are currently in. No one should be without a home.

All donations, and proceeds will go to Sister, Brother, and Niece. While we do not know the true value of what they all have lost, we can help them secure short time, and long term housing, basic needs, and financial hardships they may have now.

Thank you for your support today, Stay safe, and God Bless.

-Markie