It is with great sadness we report that Chase and his husband Art lost their home, all of their personal possessions in the home as well as two of their three fur babies, a dog, Maxine, and a cat, Iggy.
My name is Keith Dillion, I am a close friend of Chase's, and am setting up this fund on their behalf to help assist with any expenses they may face whether they be regular day to day living expenses or possible long term medical assistance.
*We tried to do this via direct gift payments to Chase via PayPal but that was unfortunately not a viable option.
I spoke with Chase late last night (3/19) to check in on him, get updated on both his and Art's condition and, since many have asked, got permission to to set up some type of fundraising for them.
Here is what we know as of this time:
WHAT HAPPENED:
* Chase woke up around 3am Thursday morning, March 18, and the bedroom was filled with smoke.
* He came out of the bedroom and one corner of the lower room, where their wood stove heater sits, was engulfed in flames.
* Chase yelled down to Art, who had fallen asleep downstairs, to wake him up and get him out
* Art ran up the stairs to exit the house with Chase (main entrance was on 2nd floor)
* About the time Art got up the stairs, the roof collapsed on him.
* Chase grabbed him and got him out of the house
* Art was severely burned, and once outside fainted, hitting his head hard on the ground
* At that point Chase realized he somehow had his cordless house phone in his hand and called 911
* Their entire house and contents is gone - He said he'd never seen a fire that bad
* The fire began with their wood stove heater which was properly vented and installed on a brick pad
* One of their dogs, Lucy, survived the fire and their neighbor is taking care of her
* They were both taken to the hospital
* Chase is fine except for a wrenched back
* Art has severe burns on his face and arms and 3rd degree burns on his back. Thankfully, he is in the best burn unit in Santa Clara county.
* They put him into a medically induced coma, where he is intubated and is being given massive amounts of fluids
* The next 48 hours are critical to his survival
* If he survives, he will remain in the hospital for 2-3 months and will need skin grafts
* Chase's landlord has provided him a place to stay for at least a week
* They both have medical insurance but we all know the expense an extended hospital stay can bring
CHASE & ART:
Chase is obviously overwhelmed and fragile at the moment, as the life of his partner and husband of 27 years hangs in the balance. They have been together since 1994, and were married in 2008 when California first allowed same sex marriages. They then became one of the 16,000 couples whose marriages were put in limbo with the passage of California's Prop 8, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court in 2015. Their love and partnership has endured the test of time.
REACHING OUT:
Several friends have asked about reaching out to Chase via message or email. I specifically asked him and, Yes, he is fine with receiving written communication. Please understand, he may or may not respond but very much appreciates your love and support.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
Many have asked about possibly setting up some type of fund to help with expenses, future medical bills, etc.
*We tried to keep this simple via direct gift payments to Chase through PayPal but that was unfortunately not a viable option.
*DO NOT FEEL OBLIGATED TO GIVE - nothing is expected.
This option is being made available for those who inquired about giving and any support will be greatly appreciated.
Chase, Art and all of their friends and family thank you for your love and support.