At around 4 a.m. on the morning of January 15, 2025, (Neil's birthday) my sister Angela and her partner Neil were awakened by a fire that was spreading throughout their apartment building. They were able to escape with their cat Rhone, their phones, but little else. Neil didn't even have shoes when he left the building. Their beloved turtle, Jalapeno, and everything else they owned, including decades of work these two School of the Art Institute alumni and artists created and collected, is considered a total loss at this time.

Most importantly, we are grateful they are safe, alive and uninjured. One of their neighbors died in the fire and two others were hospitalized, and our prayers and thoughts are with them and their families.

As they navigate the insurance process, find a new place to live, and begin to rebuild and recover, your support is appreciated. All donations will go directly to Ang and Neil.

Media coverage:

Man killed, 2 injured in Ravenswood apartment fire, Chicago police say ABC7

Man killed, 2 injured in apartment fire on North Side WGN

Ravenswood Apartment Building Fire Leaves 1 Dead, Multiple Tenants Displaced Block Club Chicago