On the morning of September 13, 2025, my mom, Bette Ritchotte, experienced a devastating house fire that took nearly everything from her—her home, her belongings, and her beloved husband. Despite the unimaginable grief and trauma, Bette has shown incredible strength and gratitude, focusing on the love and support around her. She’s always been the kind of person to give selflessly, even when she had little herself, and her generosity has touched countless lives. Her career as a nurse was a testament to her caring spirit, and her love for her family and pets has always been at the heart of who she is. The loss of her cats has been especially hard, but she’s finding comfort in spending time with our dogs and being surrounded by loved ones.
Bette is now living with me and my fiancé, Ben. While we have space for her, our home isn’t handicapped accessible, and Bette’s MS means she faces mobility challenges every day. We need to install a chair lift so she can access the main living areas, and remodel the downstairs bathroom to accommodate a shower chair. We’re also working to replace her mobility aids, glasses, pill boxes, and other essentials that were lost in the fire. The Red Cross has helped with some immediate needs, but there are still many gaps to fill. We’re asking for donations to help Bette rebuild her life, make our home comfortable and accessible for her, and assist with arrangements for her late husband.
The support from our community has been overwhelming—neighbors, friends, and even strangers have reached out with kindness and offers to help. Managing the logistics of care, replacing belongings, and handling future finances is daunting, especially while navigating our own grief. But the love and support we’ve received has made this tragedy feel survivable. Many have asked how they can help, and while we’re grateful for the clothes and comfort items, what Bette truly needs now is the flexibility to get what’s necessary and to make our home a safe, welcoming place for her. Your support will make a real difference in helping her move forward.