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From Ashes to Hope: Help Lia Rebuild After Devastating Fire

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My name is Linda, and I’m reaching out with a heart full of both gratitude and sorrow. On September 20th, at 2:30 AM, I received the call every parent dreads. My daughter, Lia, was on the other end, her voice trembling with panic. Her home had been engulfed in flames, and she had barely escaped with her dog and one of her cats. Tragically, her other cat remained missing, petrified and stuck inside. Trapped between burning buildings and thick, black smoke, Lia was guided to safety by a brave firefighter. Though she was fortunate to avoid physical harm, the emotional toll has been severe. Thankfully hours later, she was reunited with her missing cat, Nibbler.

Lia’s harrowing experience was featured on ABC News, where she was interviewed about the terrifying ordeal. You can read more and watch the interview here: ABC7 News Article.


Lia has faced many challenges throughout her life. Despite struggling with learning disabilities and dyslexia, she persevered and found her passion in the skilled trades. Recently, she earned her electrician’s license through a women's trade skills program and even launched a podcast to support other women overcoming personal obstacles and pursuing careers in the trades. Lia's dedication to helping others has always been her guiding force.

But Now, she needs our help. The fire took everything—her home, her possessions, and her sense of stability. Lia is left with only the clothes she escaped in and the daunting task of rebuilding her life from scratch. This GoFundMe has been created to help Lia start over.

She urgently needs essential items like clothes, kitchen basics, furniture, and help covering moving costs. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a profound difference as she begins this difficult journey of recovery. While Lia is strong, and I know she will overcome this, she cannot do it alone.

Please consider donating to support Lia in her time of need. If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family would be equally impactful. We are deeply grateful for any help you can offer.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Together, we can help Lia find her footing again and restore the hope and stability she deserves.

View the full story and Lia’s interview: ABC7 News Article .


How Funds will be spent:

Clothing – $500
Basic everyday clothing essentials.

Work Clothing/Equipment (Electrician/Construction) – $1000
Professional attire (work boots), safety gear, and durable clothing for her job as an electrician. Tools and equipment necessary for her profession as an electrician.

Moving/Relocation – $3,000
New Housing, deposits, and setting up utilities at a new place.

Rental Car – $1,000
Temporary transportation while Lia relocates and gets back on her feet. Currently she is using a loaner vehicle.

Bed/Furniture - $2,750

Kitchen Appliances/Utensils/Dishes – $500
Essential kitchen items, including pots, pans, utensils, small appliances (e.g., toaster, microwave).

Toiletry/Towels/Bedding Basics – $500
Items like soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.

Computer - $500

Pet Supplies – $250
Food and essentials for her dog/cat(s) to ensure proper care after the fire.
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Donations 

  • Dawn Coppola
    • $50
    • 28 d
  • MARTIN PERDOMO
    • $100
    • 2 mos
  • Scott Bitterman
    • $5
    • 2 mos
  • Steve Kavallaris
    • $100
    • 2 mos
  • debbie A Chiapperino
    • $25
    • 2 mos
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Fundraising team (4)

has not reviewed or approved this fundraiser.

Linda Lamela
Organizer
Paterson, NJ
Chad Peters
Team member
Lily Ghuzlan
Team member
SARI M LAMELA
Team member

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