Tragedy struck last week when our friend and colleague, Walter Hopson and his family lost everything in the Eaton Canyon fire in Altadena, California.

It was three in the morning when Walter received the notice he was dreading; the mandatory order to evacuate and leave behind everything that he and his family had spent a lifetime to obtain. The fire was fast approaching and he had little time to grab what he could as the flames were being fueled by the unrelenting winds.

He returned the next day to find that the Eaton Canyon fire had leveled his entire neighborhood. This place that he and his family had called home for so long had been diminished to ashes in a matter of hours. They are now left to begin the excruciating task of finding a new place to live where he can continue to care for his father.

My name is Monica Cervantes and I have worked with Walter for many years. Please consider giving a donation to help meet immediate needs such as food and shelter, and to help navigate the long and uncertain road ahead.

Thank you for showing kindness and empathy to those who have been dealt a bad hand and are struggling with more than we know.