On December 16 at approximately 1:00 am, a sudden and aggressive fire tore through Gaby’s apartment complex in Chicago, destroying her unit and several others. In a matter of minutes, she lost absolutely everything she owned to the flames.

Also, Gaby almost didn’t wake up in time. She initially thought the shouting she heard and the sound of breaking glass in the unit next door was a neighbor’s domestic dispute. But when the shouting continued and her dog, Flash, kept barking frantically, Gaby fully woke up to find the flames already spreading through her kitchen. She had only seconds to escape with nothing but her phone, her dog, and the clothes on her back. No cash or IDs. No keepsakes. No furniture. No memories she could carry out the door.

It is an understatement to say this is a devastating situation. Close your eyes and imagine waking up this morning with absolutely nothing... please take just a moment and do it. Every single personal, sentimental, and practical possession gone... This is a life-altering moment and Gaby needs her community now more than ever, especially so close to the holidays.

The primary goal of this fundraiser is to help Gaby secure housing as quickly as possible, including a security deposit and first month’s rent so she can have a safe place to live again. Additional funds will help cover:

And of course, Flash needs support too. A small portion of the goal amount will be dedicated to replacing dog food, bedding, and basic pet accessories lost in the destruction.

As an additional option, we’re also including a link to an Amazon Wish List with meaningful, creative, and comfort items to help Gaby rebuild sentimental and personal pieces of her life in the form of gifts this Christmas. A great option if you'd like to help Gaby in a more tangible way with a special holiday gift from you.

Click here for the Amazon Wish List

Truly every contribution, no matter the size or format, will make a real and immediate difference for Gaby.

If you know Gaby, you know she is, passionate about her work, active in all her communities, always ready to help others, deeply loyal to her family, and a real ride-or-die friend. Now is our chance to show up for Gaby and help her recover from this devastating situation.

We thank you for reading, donating, supporting, sharing this page, and holding Gaby (and Flash) in your hearts during this incredibly difficult time.

Sincerely,

Fredy and Ed