On the early morning of January 18th, my family’s world was shattered by an unimaginable tragedy. An arson fire destroyed the home where my sister Paula lived as a caretaker for an elderly woman. The fire, set by a member of the older woman’s family, took the lives of his own grandmother and my 33-year-old niece Kristine, who had lived with cerebral palsy and was bedridden. In a matter of moments, we lost our family member, and everything they owned was reduced to ashes.

My sister Paula, who dedicated her life to caring for Kristine and others, is now fighting for her life after suffering burns over 85% of her body. Even in the chaos, she risked her life to save Gabby, my 18-year-old niece, who is now in the hospital with burns covering 30% of her body. Gabby faces months of surgeries and a long, difficult recovery. She has lost her sister, her pets, and every possession she owned. Gabby is a bright, kind young woman who was just beginning her adult life—working in Bloomington and attending Ivy Tech. Now, she must rebuild from nothing, carrying the weight of this loss.

This fundraiser is for Gabby and our family, to help her recover and start again. The funds will go toward her medical expenses, living costs, and the support she’ll need to begin her adult life after this tragedy. Please donate if you are able, and help Gabby find hope and stability as she faces the long road ahead. Your kindness and generosity will mean the world to her and to all of us.