I almost lost my best friend and her daughter three days after Christmas. They are alive today because an eight year old trusted her instincts.

My best friend, Brittany, is a single mom whose home caught fire just after Christmas, on December 28 at 1 a.m. I almost lost her. I almost lost her daughter, my "niece". What saved them was Brittany’s eight year old daughter, Brooklyn, the hero of this story.

Brooklyn was awake playing Roblox (which would normally get an eye roll, but today gets a smile) when the power suddenly went out. Something felt wrong. She went to wake her mom right away. When Brittany got up, she heard what sounded like raccoons in the attic and quickly realized the attic was on fire. The Springfield, Massachusetts Fire Department arrived within minutes, but despite their rapid response, the second story and parts of the first floor are now uninhabitable.

Because Brooklyn spoke up and acted without hesitation, she likely saved both of their lives. If she had put her headphones back on. If she had ignored that feeling. This story could have ended very differently.

Instead, Brittany and Brooklyn escaped safely. They are alive. But everything else has changed.

They are now living in a hotel and facing a long and expensive road ahead. Brittany has already had to replace winter clothes and school uniforms, with many more costs still to come. While she does have insurance, it will not fully cover what it takes to rebuild a safe, stable home, especially on a single income.

Brittany is one of the most generous, kind, and resilient people I know. She would give the shirt off her back to anyone, and has to me when I was struggling. Right now, she needs more help than I can give.

If you are able to help make 2026 start with safety, stability, and hope for a brave little girl and her incredible mom, any support would mean more than words can express. Donations will help cover immediate necessities, temporary housing, and the overwhelming costs of rebuilding a home and a sense of normalcy after a fire. Sharing this fundraiser is also a powerful way to help.

Thank you for supporting Brittany and Brooklyn, my hero, as they begin the long road forward together.