Family’s Home Destroyed by Fallen Tree

Hi! My name is Melissa Goodwin. My beautiful cousin and her family lost their home on August 26, 2023 due to a large tree falling through the structure during a short-lived thunderstorm. Katie and Jay Zarazua-Dover have three precious girls and are active members of the community. They both have careers focused around helping others. Jay is a band director and STEM teacher and Katie is a medical assistant for a women’s health practitioner. Their girls are Mia (15), Ava (12), and Molly (9) and all attend public schools in Ascension Parish. The girls are very involved in the performing arts and enjoy dancing, singing, acting, and just plain entertaining people. They have lively and loving personalities that are infectious.

On August 26, 2023, all Louisianians were awaiting a much needed rainfall to pass through, as we are currently in a drought. During the short rainfall, wind knocked down a huge oak tree in the Zarazua-Dover’s yard and landed directly on Ava’s bedroom. The tree penetrated the roof and went through the floor filling up the entirety of her bedroom. The tree missed Ava by inches as she sat on her bed. Once outside, the enormity of the destruction hit them and as they began removing tree limbs, debris, and personal belongings from inside their home, they realized this was going to be a large cross to bear.

At this time, they are in need of monetary donations and prayers in order to get them through this disaster. Family and fellow church members have stepped in to help clean up and also provide a place for them to live; however, this will be a long road and they will need to rebuild.

Times are tough for everyone right now and everyone is struggling through some sort of challenge. Finances are tight and we all can relate with that. First and foremost, this family needs PRAYERS. For those, they will be incredible grateful. If you feel it in your heart to donate monetarily, you can do so here through this medium. The funds will go directly into a bank account set up for the Zarazua-Dover family so they can begin the process over recovering. I will also set up a meal train for anyone interested in helping there.

We deeply appreciate all of your prayers and help to support this family! God Bless.