Help Caleb & Derek Recover from Apartment Fire

On the evening of June 26, 2024, my husband received a phone call that a parent never wants to receive. The Chaplain from Orlando Health Regional Hospital was calling to let us know that our son had been in an apartment fire and was not doing well. He had inhaled a lot of smoke and soot and was being put on life support. My husband and I frantically got dressed and jumped in the car for the hour-long drive to the hospital to be with Caleb. Prayers were going up for him everywhere. When we arrived at the hospital, I ran into the ER waiting room. I couldn’t get to Caleb fast enough. My heart sank when I saw my son with tubes attached to him everywhere and he was covered in soot. All I could do was cry and pray. The doctor gave me an update on Caleb. He had very significant level 3 inhalation burns (level 4 being the highest) from the top of his lungs all the way to the cilia in the bottom of the lungs. His blood saturations were 38% carbon monoxide. He was going to be admitted to the Burn ICU Unit and the first 72 hours would reveal how he would do. My sister soon arrived; I was so thankful to see her. Caleb was so restless and in pain. I called my dad to have him pray and my sister gave him the update that I had just received from the doctor. My Dad called everyone he knew to pray for Caleb because things did not look good. Once Caleb was settled in a room, my husband and I began to look for Derek, Caleb’s roommate’s, phone number so we could make sure he was ok. When we were able to locate it, we were so happy to know that he was ok. We were also finally able to find out what happened. Caleb had put some food on to cook and had fallen asleep. Derek had come home from work and found Caleb asleep in the burning apartment. He couldn’t get him awake. Derek pulled Caleb from the apartment. He saved his life! Derek is a true friend and hero! We believe God put him there on the evening of June 26th to save Caleb’s life! For that we are eternally grateful! The fire department came and carried Caleb down three flights of stairs to the ambulance where he was rushed to the hospital. We were blessed with miracle after miracle in the hospital. The doctors, nurses, and therapists were all surprised at how quickly Caleb recovered. Kevin and I know it was God’s healing power, grace, and mercy that saw him through. He is currently recovering at home. This brings me to the Go Fund Me Page. Derek and Caleb did not have renter’s insurance and will have to pay for the repairs to the apartment. It was a total loss. Caleb had no clothes, but the ones he was wearing, and they are too covered in soot to come clean. Both Derek and Caleb lost most of their belongings in the fire. I know that any amount you can give would be appreciated. At this time, we do not know the total cost of the repairs but will post it once we do. Thank you for continuing to be a part of this miracle through your giving. I know both Caleb and Derek will be eternally thankful. Kevin and Jacinda Funderburk