Our dear family and friends,

My sister, Kirsten, and her family lost their beloved home, their belongings, and two pets in a fire on June 9, 2025.

This family of 5 is currently displaced in a hotel and will be seeking a long term (year) rental as their home is considered a total loss and will be a complete gut renovation to restore it.

Thankfully no one was home when the fire began, and Michael, Kirsten and their 3 boys (10, 8 and 6) are safe. They are counting this huge blessing and are filled with gratitude despite the losses they incurred.

As for ways to help, we are figuring that out. It truly has been hour by hour navigating this the past 48 hours. This page was setup as an easy way to support. The funds raised will be used to cover expenses outside of home owners insurance, and until that kicks in in a few weeks. It will also relieve the financial burden incurred while caring for their remaining pets.

Their dog Max, remains in critical care but is showing strength of progress each day. Two cats were saved, and cared for by Hickory Vet Hospital and WILL return home! ❤️

We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of calls, texts, offers to help with the kids, meals, clothing, essentials - we truly have the best army around us through our family, friends, church and school. If we haven’t responded to your messages please know we will get to them and appreciate every single one of them, and every single prayer.

In addition to financial support, their most immediate prayer requests are:

HOUSING! Their home was declared a “total loss” so they will be displaced and seeking a rental in the area.

PETS! Their pets have been in 24/7 care and specifically, Max, is in critical care. Please pray for God’s wisdom and clarity for any care decisions ahead. Pet care is one thing not covered by home insurance so each day they wait and watch, bills are incurred. We know they are pets, but they are a part of their family and incredible therapy for the three boys ❤️

️ Clear minds and support on the insurance front. They are so thankful for home insurance but need wisdom with these next steps and all the finances and logistics that will be involved in the road ahead. For Michael and Kirsten as they work as a team to make decisions and keep track of all the moving pieces.

The boys! They are helpful and resilient right now, but also tired and sad they won’t be home for the summer, or for a while. Pray for their little hearts and minds and emotions as they process these losses and the changes ahead.

The song “Still Waters Psalm 23” came on the first time in the car after the fire. They know God is a good God and will love them well and provide the big and small needs to get through this valley. The family knows and trusts He will make beauty from these ashes

Again, thank you for all the love and prayers. They are truly felt! It’s not easy to hold grief and gratitude in the same breath but God’s hand is truly on this all.

On behalf of this sweet family, THANK YOU!