Help 3 families displaced by Eaton wildfire

My name is Briana Monda and I am reaching out for support of my closest friends, Ken & Lara Wood, and their families who have all lost their Altadena homes in the Eaton Fire of LA County. Their life is characterized by love and self-sacrifice.

They have been such good friends over the years, to more than just my husband and me; this is my way of caring for and helping them. If I had the funds, I would send it to them, but I don’t. And we live on the East Coast, so we are only able to do so much in a practical way. This is why I am reaching out for help.

Let me tell you about the Wood Family.

Ken Sr & Carol moved to Altadena as their family grew with a son, Ken Jr. and daughter Jenine. Carol’s parents found a home just blocks away. They had some wonderful years close together in these two houses. As children, Ken Jr & Jenine learned to play tennis and set up yard sales from their Grandma Goins, and the family values of giving and helping others were deeply instilled.

After caring for their parents until they passed, Ken & Carol moved into Grandmas house , and Jenine and her growing family moved into her childhood house. In 2019, seeing their parents starting need a little more help, Ken Jr & his wife Lara built an ADU behind Jenine. During the Covid years those 3 little houses, all so close to each other, became their bubble, where they had family meals, watched tv, played games and saw the new members, Westley and Gia, take their first steps.

When they all evacuated early January 8, Ken Sr said he’d left his dog Roxy behind with enough water and food for a few days, certain he’d be back home very soon.

Within hours they learned that all 3 of their homes were gone. The kids school, also gone. Unfortunately, Roxy, although found and taken to the Humane Society, did not survive her injuries.

The process ahead is daunting. Any funds collected will help with the unexpected costs to get back on their feet, re-purchasing needed supplies ; hopefully alleviating some of the emotional toll this has taken on all of them. Your help will give them assistance with anything that may not be covered by other sources of aid, so every $1 is something they can use and is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for reading and offering your support!