Helping a Hero: Rebuilding After the Fire

Helping a Hero: Rebuilding After the Fire

At Kitten Chaos Plus Cat Rescue, our mission is to care for the most vulnerable cats in our community—but today, we’re stepping up to support another hero in the rescue world who urgently needs our help.

On May 22, 2025, around 1 PM, a devastating fire broke out at the storage building used by Save Them Spay Them Love Them (STSTLT)—a nonprofit founded by Lynn Nelson. This building wasn’t her home—but it was the foundation of her work and housed everything she had invested in her nonprofit’s mission.

Tragically, the building had no insurance coverage at the time of the fire. The policy had expired on April 11, 2025, just over a month before the fire occurred. This means Lynn must now cover all the losses out-of-pocket—a devastating blow for a grassroots nonprofit with limited resources.

The fire destroyed:

• Four truckloads of medical supplies intended for local rescues,

• Her crafting materials and display equipment used for fundraising,

• All preparations for a new shop she was set to open on June 1st, and

• Supplies for two upcoming craft shows in October and November, which help raise money for rescue efforts and the local Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Lynn shared on Facebook:

“Today was a bad day for STSTLT. A fire at our storage building destroyed everything. Our inventory, display equipment… everything we had for our upcoming shows and the new shop we were moving into June 1st. If you even thought about coming out for our fundraiser on June 21st; I ask again to please consider as we need it more than ever.”

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Who Is Lynn Nelson?

Lynn has been involved in spay/neuter and cat rescue since the 1970s. She is the founder of Save Them Spay Them Love Them, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing cat overpopulation by:

• Partnering with low-cost vet clinics,

• Distributing donated medical supplies to local rescues,

• Matching senior cats with senior adopters,

• And organizing craft fundraisers throughout Hampton Roads.

In addition, Lynn volunteers with the Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, where she hosts craft shows to support their lifesaving mission.

She has supported so many in the rescue community. Now she’s the one who needs support.

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Why This Matters

This fire didn’t just destroy property. It disrupted the future of Lynn’s mission, canceled upcoming fundraising opportunities, and left a passionate advocate without the resources she relies on to help animals and the community. And with no insurance to recover these losses, the financial burden is overwhelming.

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Let’s Help Her Rebuild

Your donation will help Lynn:

• Replace essential supplies and inventory,

• Rebuild her nonprofit’s operations,

• And recover her ability to support cats, rescues, and first responders across Hampton Roads.

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Every Bit Helps

Whether it’s $5 or $500, your contribution matters. And if you’re unable to donate, please share this campaign with others who can.

Let’s come together for someone who’s always been there for others.

Thank you—from the team at Kitten Chaos Plus Cat Rescue and from every life Lynn has touched