Campaign to help Azalia recover from house fire

My dear friend and colleague lost her home this past Sunday (3/17) when a fire broke out inside her home, while she and her family were in it! While she, her mother, and two small children were all inside, she was alerted not by the smell of smoke, but by frantic neighbors who noticed before anyone in her home realized anything was wrong. Azalia is one of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know. She’s not only a single mother, but also a sister, a daughter, and most of all, a provider and caretaker. I have never known her to ask for help on anything. It’s not in her operating system to reach out for assistance, even when times are overwhelming. She’s the most responsible person I know, as I have known her for several years and worked closely with her in the workplace. She’s always on top of everything and I know right now she is dealing with more than she can bear to show the world. She isn’t one to whine or complain when things get rough, and this fire is no different. Her house, which she worked hard to purchase, is a total loss. The only good news is she has fire insurance, and that no one was injured. 

 

It takes several months to rebuild after a fire. Being a single mother and holding down an hourly job, her free time is limited and/or non-existent. Despite this, Azalia is a person who finds time to be involved in her community, sit on the PTA, and even adopt highways! I am setting up this GoFundMe page because the time it takes insurance to react and help with funds is not on par with the pace of life and the necessity of having cash to take care of all those who directly depend on her. I am setting a realistic goal of $1000 to start, as I know this post will likely only reach her colleagues and friends, and their families. She has a 16-month-old and a 7-year-old who lost all their clothing, toys, and other familiar comforts. Her youngest son, Alejandro, is only 16 months old and is panicking because he doesn’t understand why his family is packed into a small hotel room (which will likely be home for the next several months).

 

Even if you can donate $5, it’s a HUGE help – particularly for someone like Azalia who will never in her life ask for help, it will be extremely appreciated. 

 

Insurance will eventually replace the house, but she needs help with things like diapers and clothes. Her mother lost nearly everything she owns as well, from clothes to old photos. Money can’t replace everything but it can certainly put a nice big Band-Aid on this terrible disaster.  I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more than Azailia.