The photo above shows my mom’s literal apartment balcony, bottom floor. My mother Dawn lost everything she owned this evening, as her apartment building burned down - along with everyone else in building 5 of the Frederick apartments. Sadly, her two cats were not able to escape and they would not come out from all of the electrical popping sounds / noise scared them into her bedroom under the bed. My mom opened the sliding glass door and ran out as quickly as she could.

She was unable to get any clothes (left in a night gown), her keep sakes, her valuables, her medicines, her wigs (my mother does not have hair), her medically prescribed shoes for her foot (the only thing providing her relief and healing), and only had time to grab her purse as the flames entered her apartment. Nothing will be salvageable, as the building is a collapse hazard.

American Red Cross was able to assist with $350 for the residents for immediate assistance.