JUST A LITTLE UPDATE* Tuesday March 25 2025:

The move in date is not in solidified yet unfortunately as certain details have to be verified and snail mail takes time. So it will be as close to April 1 as possible but not likely. It will be more close to the 8th or the 10 th.

The big home donations have been coming in and we are so very grateful. The last couple specific items the family needs are

That’s it really for big items!

If you are cleaning out small kitchen appliances those can be added although not a mixer, that has been given.

As always you all have been such a blessing! Thank you so very much! Please continue to share the posts with your groups to spread the word.

Keep an eye out for a future Star Tribune Article that Patty has been interviewed for. No clue as to when it could come out!

UPDATED: Wednesday, March 19 th 2025,

Hello to everyone that’s been keeping up to date on Patty and her family after the fire that burned down her home in mid February.

I know it’s been 12 days since the last update . I’ve been waiting and wanting to give happy news. A few things have happened since the last update. Patty did take ownership of the Prius and has been driving. She has started to enjoy getting around as she wishes but she is still adjusting to it as it’s been almost a year since she has been able to go drive when she wants to. She has been enjoying her glasses , seeing clearly, reading her Kindle which she really enjoys. The Humane Society returned the remains of the family’s beloved pet dog Sassy to them. This was a bittersweet afternoon. They are very happy to have her back home with them. The cremation was provided to the family by a generous member of the Cimarron Residents Association.

There has been many bumps in this long road to this day. We tried diligently to have the family return to a home here in the Cimarron community but no amount of work or discussion could sway corporates minds. The Stillwater School District for low income families has nearly nothing open. It was by the grace of Patty’s guardian angel working overtime, that a townhome was located . I dare say it was the only open 3 bedroom in the whole county. So the move in date is Tuesday, April 1.

Looking ahead to moving now begins. Assistance for the move would be more than welcomed. There are items the family will still be needing. If you are looking to do some Spring cleaning and have some gently used items please see if you can help out by checking the list:

this is a good start I think. Patty does have referrals to places to pick some things out also over at Bridging in Roseville and she can also check out St Andrews in Mahtomedi which will assist in things for her home. I’m sure we will be able to have a good idea where the holes are when we find out what these organizations can help with specifically.

The feedback I and Patty have received from you through these past weeks has been so heartwarming. We both want to thank you so much.

please just send me an email if you are able and willing to help out in anyway with the move or items for the home. Thanks again over and over. The Lake Elmo / Stillwater and surrounding area has been so wonderful during this most challenging time.

sending you all many hugs! Mary

UPDATED: Friday , March 7 , 2025

Here’s some new news today. I took Patty to get her new glasses. She was thrilled to be able to see once again. In five days it will be a month since the fire and not being able to fully see well has really been an added hardship.

Another blessing this week was a car that she was able to purchase with the help of the go fund me gift money. Now between the glasses and the car she will be able to get around.

We have also made headway on finding her a new home. This was not an easy road. There was a home we were working on for the majority of the time that unfortunately could not be negotiated in Patty’s favor. We finally have found a rental townhome for the family which when the application is accepted, move in will be April 1 st. So better days and happier times are coming. This townhome is for low income families and they also take vouchers from Washington county. That program is a very long waiting period, although because of the fire and homeless position she is in it possibly changes her position.

Tonight Animal control returned to us ,so we can deliver to Patty and her family their beloved dog Sassy’s ashes. This will be a treasured gift and memory for them. She was just a year old or so. They miss her terribly.

I again thank all of you who have cared to give , every single donor who has graciously come forward. There have been so many of you beautiful people, Good Samaritan’s that have blessed Patty and her family deeply with their love. May it be returned to you 100 fold!

Mary

UPDATED: Tuesday, February 24 th, 2025: This week has been another blur really! 2 weeks down now. I changed the main photo, as you can see. Today, the house was pulled down. I’m not certain who ordered the demolition but it is done.

Patty and family are continuing to live in the small 1 room hotel room graciously provided for by St Andrews Lutheran Community out of Mahtomedi. They have the very basic needs of food being given with a meal train started by community members in Cimarron Park. Please help us by making a meal or bringing ingredients, or contribute a little donation to the food. There’s no way to cook in the room. Clothes in basic needs for now is covered as the room is quite small. They will need to fill in with more clothes when a stable living situation is found. Cimarron Residents Association has been trying to assist Patty in different housing options available. It is an extremely challenging area to navigate. She needs a 3 bedroom in the Stillwater area, but with extremely limited resources except for the generosity that has been shown here with this go fund me campaign. It is going to be a long wait for the county voucher system to help. We are not giving up though and we hope with a big miracle something will be worked out. It might take many prayers , and possibly even voices in the end. On Wednesday I am taking Patty to get replacement eye glasses so she can once again read. Every dollar given will most certainly aid in Patty’s family living situation. She tells me every time I see her with tears in her eyes how grateful she is for all of the help. How she wishes she could thank each one of you for everything you’ve done for her , and her son and granddaughter.

Thank you! Each of you!

Mary

Tuesday February 18th 2025, at 4 am this Wednesday it’s 1 week the nightmare began,…

Hi It’s me again, time for an update. Patty and I had another busy day.

Bought Lunch at Stillwater's Culver’s where when I shared the story I got a discount which I was very grateful for for as the lunch was for the family. Then off to Patty’s family, where we would then go to the bank to set up an account so money from the go fund me can be transferred. We were also able to get her a duplicate driver’s license at the dmv. Success! There is so many details when you have lost every single bit of personal data of your life! Patty can drive now but if only we could locate a car. If there is any one out there with a means of helping with any type of a car please give us a heads up. We are in desperate need of transportation out this direction. There is not any real bus transportation happening out this way to speak of. Patty’s family , Patty most especially is so very grateful and thankful all the loving support shown to her and her family.

Thanks ! Mary Murphy

Sunday , February 16th,

Today was a busy afternoon. I took donations over to Patty and the family. We were successful in finding a coat that fit for winter for Patty. Considering the bitter cold weather starting today and moving through this week it is a relief we have the coat. I brought a warm hat and gmittens from home which are coordinating and working out well. I took Marion out shopping to purchase essentials of undergarments and otc meds. Same for Adam. The toiletries are good and covered now.

We have been contacted by Judy Seeburger who is going to be coming out to Cimarron Park tomorrow afternoon to see the house . She spoke with Patty on the phone to check how she was doing also this afternoon. The concern of many people throughout the area has been a beautiful thing to watch.

many blessing to you. Mary Muphy

Saturday February 15

Immediate & Near-Future Needs

First, a HUGE thank you!

The outpouring of love and generosity from this community has been absolutely incredible. Your kindness is making a real difference in this family’s life, and they are deeply grateful for every single offer of support. We couldn’t do this without you!

Before donating, please message us to confirm what’s still needed so we don’t receive overflow until the family has more space. Every contribution matters—thank you for being part of this!

Clothing Needs

Patty: (XXL, varied style—loves purple! )

    •    Warm Robe

    •    Pajamas

    •    Blouses

    •    Hat & Gloves (M)

‍ Adam: (A tall, lean 30-year-old with sensory needs—Size 30-32x36 pants)

    •    Sweatpants (Most worn item!)

    •    A few nice, stretchy jeans (Comfortable fit)

    •    Winter Jacket & Beanie

    •    Driving/Everyday Gloves (L)

    •    Size 13 Shoes & Socks

    •    Winter walking boots

    •    Spring shoes

    •    Dark-colored tennis shoes

    •    Soft, cotton-blend T-shirts (M, long & tall size) (Think Gap-style fabric)

Adam will be shopping for his own hoodies!

Soft cozy Blankets (No Sherpa or Fleece)

    •    Purple for Patty

    •    Pink (Full Size) for Marion

    •    Deep Blue or Teal (Queen Size) for Adam

Electronics for the Near Future (Once the family is more established)

    •    Amazon Alexa

    •    Xbox & Nintendo Switch

    •    HP Computer for Patty

    •    Apple Computer for Marion (She’s a straight-A student and needs it for school!)

    •    ️ Windows Laptop for Adam (Gaming-capable, plus a Razer gaming mouse & trackpad for his special interests!)

A Car—Any Car!

Reliable transportation would be life-changing for them. If you know of any available vehicles, please reach out!

️ Furniture & Additional Clothing/Shoes (For Later)

Once they have more space, they will need:

    •    Essential furniture (beds, dressers, chairs, tables, etc.)

    •    More clothing & shoes to help rebuild their wardrobes

We’ll update with more details on these needs as things progress!

We can’t thank you all enough for your kindness, generosity, and support. This community has shown up in ways that are truly inspiring, and it’s because of YOU that this family is finding hope in such a difficult time. Whether you’re donating, spreading the word, or just sending love, it all makes a difference. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! ✨

Friday February 14th update: Patricia’s Family is staying in a Stillwater hotel until Tuesday. We have until then to locate a new home for them to live in. It is a daunting task, considering the long holiday weekend. We have multiple homes in the park that are willing to accept holding donations as long as they are not too large for now. Then as soon as we are able to have a place to get the family we can happily move them into the new space and start filling it with the things we all know they need to get through our Minnesota days and weather. Thanks again to all of you for thinking beyond yourselves. Sharing the warmth of kindness to one another. I added a photo of the house as it stands now for you to see . Just a shell…

The Cimarron community is brokenhearted that one of our neighbors has lost their house last night to a fire. All the human lives escaped the fire, but their beloved pets lost their lives. It was a difficult early morning.

There’s a grandma, son and teenager without a home. They are at the hospital today. They all ran out of the home without shoes. They’ve lost everything. Please give what you can to help this family. Any donation is gratefully appreciated.

Thank you for your care and concern.

Mary Murphy

Thursday morning: Family update: Still in hospital Wednesday evening for smoke inhalation. House was a complete loss and now partially torn down as it had hot spots that rekindled back on fire. Please share with your friends list too and help spread the message as this little family really needs as much help as possible. They are low income , no amount is too small and no amount is too big as every blessing adds

up! What a beautiful way to share for Valentine’s Day!

Thank you to every single donor so far! What a ray of sunshine you are!

THURSDAY EVENING UPDATE: The family is out of the hospital now and staying at a hotel in Stillwater. We have found out the home was not insured. That being the case the family will be responsible for the expense of tearing the rest of the home down.

Toiletries, snacks, comforting items now , other ideas such as gift cards, large plastic lid totes for holding items in the hotel room, are also a great idea. And. everyday things to fill a new home will be needed here very shortly.

To say they are in shock is an understatement.

message Mary Murphy for possible drop off if in area