In the early morning hours of December 22, Torben was awoken by smoke filling his mother’s apartment. His mother, Brigitte, was recovering from Covid-19 with Torben’s help and care. He woke up Birgitte, grabbed their dogs and quickly left her apartment before it was fully engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Within minutes, all of their possessions were gone in the blaze. Sadly, their beloved 10-year-old turtle, and birds were lost as well. Torben and pups are, thankfully, okay and Birgitte is recovering in the hospital. While Toben helps his mother put her life back together, deal with the trauma of escaping a house fire and replace items from her home, Torben’s amazing friends have made temporary accommodations for them as they figure out a way forward. All funds have been requested with Birgitte and Torben’s permission and will be donated directly to them to offset out-of-pocket expenses involved in the days to come. Torben is a supportive and generous friend and would gladly help anyone in a similar situation. Let’s help him and his family this time!

Photo Credit: Santa Barbara Fire Department