On October 24th, a tragic incident happened at our home.

While home resting from being sick, I was woken up by something no one should ever have to see, my mother, engulfed in flames, stumbling into my room asking for help. I didn’t think. I just acted. I jumped out of bed and threw myself into saving her, managing to put out the flames with my bare hands. In doing so, I sustained severe burns to both hands—but I would do it again in a heartbeat. My only thought in that moment was to protect my mom.

She was airlifted to Seattle for emergency care. The burns cover over half her body, and she is now in critical condition, sedated on a breathing machine, and facing what doctors say will be months of hospitalization, surgeries, and recovery.

As for me, I spent hours in the emergency room for my own injuries. My hands are deeply burned and wrapped completely—making even basic tasks difficult and painful. I can’t work. I can’t drive. I’ve been left physically impaired, emotionally shattered, and with no family nearby to support me. My sister is doing her best to help me from afar but there’s only so much we can do. I’m currently home alone with pets to care for and a mountain of uncertainty ahead.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I never imagined I’d be making one of these. But I’m now facing:

• Loss of income from being unable to work

• Travel costs if I’m able to fly to Seattle to be with my mom

• Medical expenses not covered by insurance

• Daily care (bandage supplies, groceries, help with pets, transportation)

• Mental health toll of trauma, isolation, and uncertainty

If you can spare anything—even $1 or simply a share—it would mean the world to me. Right now, I’m doing everything I can just to survive each day and support my mom from a distance.

I didn’t hesitate to risk myself to save her. And I would do it again. But now I’m asking—please help me get through this next part. I’ve never felt so scared, alone, or physically limited.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing beside us during the worst moment of our lives. I’ll post updates as we go.

With all my heart,

Dakota & Chancey