Amy, Jeff, Mackenzie and fur babies

Amy and Jeff and their 17 year old daughter Mackenzie lost everything in the Almeda fire that tore through Phoenix on September 8th. Amy and her family have lived in the Rogue Valley for for 18 years, with 7 of those years being in Phoenix. Amy has worked in healthcare for all of her adult life and has always been committed to providing the best care for patients and community members. Additionally, Jeff was a 9/11 WTC volunteer responder; as such, he grapples with the mental and physical aftermath of that disastrous event, including having COPD and asthma (caused by his involvement in responding to 9/11), which obviously has made breathing much more difficult with all of the smoke in the valley.

Amy, Jeff, and Mackenzie were able to save their two dogs, their cat, some sleeping bags and 3-4 days of clothes. They lost everything else, including a Jeep, important legal documents, family photos, and other irreplaceable sentimental items. Rather than putting themselves first, they prioritized helping others in Phoenix; as the Almeda fire raged closer and closer to their home, Amy and Jeff stayed at the local high school as long as they could to direct other people out of the area and try to calm panicking and fleeing residents. Only once the flames were just across the street from them did they evacuate.

Right now, Mackenzie and the family cat are staying with Amy’s mom. Jeff, Amy, and the two dogs have been sleeping in the back of their vehicle. This family is safe but has lost everything and will need to find temporary housing and replace all of their essential items soon... anything you can donate will help them to get back on their feet after their immeasurable losses. Even if you cannot donate, please share and keep this family in your thoughts.