Help Boya & Han Recover from the Los Angeles WildFire

Hello friends and community,

My dear friends, Boya and Han, have lost everything in the Los Angeles WildFires. With a heavy heart, I am here to ask for your support in helping them recover.

On January 7th, they had to chaotically flee their home with only one set of clothes and two carry-on suitcases. While attempting to evacuate, they got stuck in a blockade and had to abandon their car as flames raged just feet from them. After several anxiety-filled days, Boya and Han finally learned that their home was indeed destroyed; cherished memories and the life they built were gone in an instant.

Boya and Han are both first-generation immigrants who came to the US with nothing but dreams and the conviction to realize them. I have personally seen how much hard work and dedication they poured into putting themselves through school and saving together to buy their first home in May 2023. I remember how proud they looked while giving us a tour. These would have been the walls that held decades of joy as they looked to start their family and support their parents as they got older.

Han is my best friend. She is one of the kindest, most optimistic, energetic, and loving people I have ever known. Han has dedicated countless hours to help people in need, from partnering with the Illinois Prison Project to support women who survived domestic abuse, to assisting a non-profit project that works to instill knowledge and confidence in vulnerable children to realize their potential. She also creates beautiful crafts that she lovingly gifts to friends and family. Boya is one of the most generous and caring person. As a graduate student at UCLA, he serves as a compassionate mentor to his fellow students. After moving to the U.S. at age 4, he grew up in Philadelphia, where he spent weekends and summer breaks working at his parents' shop while helping to raise his younger brother when their parents were at work. Together with Han, he worked tirelessly to build their first home - a dream that was tragically destroyed by the fire.

Han and Boya have helped me get through hard times in the past and are always the first to show up for others…we have to do the same for them.

The trauma of their escape still haunts them. I have seen their immense pain in knowing their home is gone. Despite the uncertainty of the future, Boya and Han are hopeful they can get back on their feet; this is where you can help address the many aspects of recovery and support in this time. For this GoFundMe, we only ask for what you can spare—any amount will be treasured and used responsibly. Please donate even if it is one dollar.

These funds will assist with needs that might not be covered by other sources of aid.. Thank you for taking the time to read their story and please consider supporting their recovery. We will update this page regularly with progress and demonstrate how your generosity is directly impacting them.

Please share this page with anyone you know who can help.

With profound gratitude,

Thea

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Here is Boya putting together furniture 1 week ahead of their home being destroyed.

Han's mom visited their new home

The fire closing in as they abandoned their car to escape on foot