On Thursday, November 8, 2018, along with tens of thousands, our niece, Laney Devincenzi, and her grandmother and guardian, Debbie Robertson, fled the Camp Fire in Paradise, California with only the clothes on their backs and Laney's chinchilla in her arms. 

In the darkness of smoke, with propane tanks exploding around them and structures burning everywhere, they left their vehicle and fled down the Skyway after being told to "get out and run" by a passing police officer.  Eventually, a kind stranger allowed them to jump in bed of his pickup and got them to safety in Chico.   

Laney and Debbie need all the support we can provide.  Laney has experienced much pain in her 15 years, losing lost both of her parents to drug addiction; despite this, and with incredible resiliency, she is an honor student and an amazing and compassionate young woman.  Debbie stepped in as her guardian 7 years ago and, though she struggles with chronic migraines, she works with the developmentally disabled to support them.  We are so thankful they are safe and together.  They are traumatized but so strong. 

Please help them heal by donating to aid them in stabilizing and rebuilding their lives.  Funds are needed to replace everything - essentials, clothes, and eventually their home, vehicle and furnishings.


Laney is a sophomore at Paradise High School and an Upward Bound student.  This was taken on Career Day at her summer UB program at Chico State in July, 2018. 

Debbie with her 3 grandchildren - truly the loves of her life:  Laney, Savvy, and River.