Fire Destroys Espada Family Home, Durhamville, NY

On Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, my sister and brother-in-law, Morgan and Brian Espada, and their family suffered unimaginable loss when they watched their home burn down. It was around 3pm when my niece Sophia (13), the youngest of the family, noticed smoke coming from the back porch. She was sick and home from school with Shoka, their beloved dog, at the time. She notified the police and her parents and was able to safely evacuate. Unfortunately Shoka, who was still upstairs at the time, didn't make it out in time. The family lost this deeply loved and treasured family member, who passed away from the smoke and fumes, as well as all of their memories and belongings. Sophia has never known life without Shoka, who was 12, so this has been especially traumatic for her.

At this time, the family is trying to heal, start over and get back on their feet. Their first goal is to find a new place to live, and then turn that place into a home, starting from scratch. Their neighborhood, community, friends, family and network have been so loving and helpful. We wanted to create this GoFundMe page to help them alleviate some of the costs associated with starting over: from basic essentials & clothing, to household items, furniture and any down payments required.

If you are willing and able, please consider donating. Any amount, big or small, will greatly help the family during this time. If you are unable to contribute, it would mean the world if you could share this post to help spread the word, and send your thoughts and prayers.

We will share periodic updates with you and hopefully we will soon have good news to announce.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

The family in their home pictured here from left to right: Sophia, Brian, Lexi, Cameron, Meghan, and Morgan