On Thursday, January 29th, 2026, my grandmother, mother, and stepfather lost our family home to a catastrophic housefire. While both my stepfather and grandmother made it out of the home, along with one of the inside dogs, we are still unsure of the other inside dog, the four indoor cats, and the many outdoor animals for whom they've cared.

My mother and stepfather have been helping to care for my grandmother since 2012, after the loss of my great-grandfather, and gave up the lives they loved in Tennessee to return to West Virginia to help with the running and upkeep of the family home, and have dedicated the past 14 years to ensuring that all within, as well as anyone who needed it had a welcoming place to stay.

While the house is a total loss, along with all their belongings, including clothing, toiletries, and personal computing devices, we are profoundly grateful that those inside made it out alive.

This home represents five generations of the Ayersman family, and was built from the ground up by my grandfather and great-grandfather nearly forty years ago. This home witnessed the births of 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as the passing of my great-grandmother, great-grandfather, and grandfather.

We are actively working with the American Red Cross to address some of the financial needs, but I am reaching out to my friends, family, colleagues, and others to help defray the costs of rebuilding their lives from the ground up.

I know everyone is struggling in these tough, uncertain times. Please consider donating to help my family get back on their feet.

To ensure all funds are spent appropriately, I will work with my family to account for every dollar donated and will be wholly transparent about the process.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and please remember that every dollar helps.

-Marcus J. Hopkins