My name is Leslie Leemgraven and I am Abbey Hansel's sister. On Saturday April 5, 2025, my sister and brother-in-law Tom lost their home, both vehicles, and all material possessions in a devastating house fire. Although Abbey, Tom, and their two young children (Caden and Kinley) are all safe, it is estimated that the Hansel's home will take close to a year to rebuild/become habitable again.

April 5th started like any other Saturday. Abbey was making breakfast/muffins for the kids when the smoke detectors went off. Abbey initially thought she may have over-cooked the muffins, but quickly realized there was a massive fire in the garage. Abbey and Tom sprung into action- moving the family to the back yard (everyone still in PJ's- no shoes or coats) and called 911. Tom had home fire-extinguishers on the ready, but they didn't make a dent in the massive fire. My sister and Tom stood in their back yard in horror watching the fire get larger and larger. The fire department was delayed due to dealing with a carbon monoxide emergency on the other side of town (resulting in several first responders being hospitalized). When the fire department arrived, there were no less than 20 emergency vehicles and more first responders than we could count. Abbey and the kids went to a neighbor's house where they were out-of-sight of the chaos, while Tom absorbed all of the information from the first responders. Fortunately, our parents live 2 miles from Abbey and Tom, and are able to serve as a place of comfort and refuge during this difficult time.

In the past 24 hours, Abbey and Tom have received an abundance of clothes and toys. More friends, family, and neighbors than we can count have asked what they can do to help. While Abbey and Tom are hesitant about accepting monetary donations- my sister knows that when I get passionate about something, it's best to just go with it. :)

Donations will go directly to helping the Hansel family rebuild their life, as they have not yet embarked on the process of working with their insurance companies (auto and home).

Thank you so much for your consideration and support. It means the world to the Hansel family!