My friends and family, who are already helping a ton, suggested I stand up a fundraiser after the fire. My wife (Brenda) and I lived in the trailer in the picture. The trailer caught on fire and at first we tried to put it out as the fire seemed somewhat small. We did get out, the dogs got out, and Brenda called 911. We live in a very rural part of VA and the volunteer fire depart was dispatched. They did get there in about 20 minutes which is great, and thanks to them for all of the help and kindness.
However while my wife was on the phone with the dispatchers she decided to run back in. We don't know why. Once I realized she had gone back in I called for her and tried to run in myself but the ceiling was collapsing. The fire detectives and medical examiners all came to the conclusion that she passed on from the smoke. They found her with a pot in her hand and I can only assume she didn't understand how bad the fire was and went back in to try to pour out more water. She was also in very poor health. The fire department arrived and tried to get in, get her out, and put out the fire at this point there was nothing left. My friends and family have been so kind and have been around almost every day with food, clothes, taking care of other choirs like replacing all my medications. Truly a blessing.
The main reason for the fundraising is to start replace some things I really need. I lost basically everything in that fire and daily we are finding out and remembering simple things that need to be replace. Car Keys for example is about $500 alone, $200 for glasses, and so on. We also have to get my wife Brenda cremated. My kids are helping a lot as well but none of us were really financially ready for this. My friends also have helped a lot and pushed me to set this up so some extended friends can help as well. We had not life or home insurance.
If your inclined to help - thanks, if you can't or don't want to I totally understand. If you know Jesus please send our family up in your prayer.
Thank you so much and God Bless.