My name is Ania, and Ziggy we lived on the third floor of a house located at 27 Hartman Avenue in Garfield, New Jersey. Late last night, we were abruptly woken up by loud banging on our door and people screaming “fire.” We were told the house was on fire and that we needed to get out immediately.

In a state of panic and fear, we rushed to evacuate. We barely had time to think, and we couldn’t stop to gather belongings. As soon as we reached the stairs, our entire apartment became engulfed in flames. The fire spread so quickly that there was no way to go back.

Because our apartment was on the top floor, it suffered the most damage. The entire unit collapsed along with everything we owned. We lost all of our belongings—clothes, furniture, important documents, sentimental items, and the basic necessities of everyday life. We were unable to save anything at all.

Despite this devastation, we are incredibly grateful to be alive. If we had not gotten out when we did, we would not be here today. That reality is something we carry with us, and it reminds us how fragile life truly is