Fire Relief for Genesee and Her Son William

A Story of Resilience: Genesee and William McClain

Our names are Samia Rafeedie and Tessa Milman, and we are setting up this page on behalf the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in Los Angeles to collectively support our student Genesee McClain and her son William, who lost their home in Altadena in the fires last week. Genesee is in her first year of the entry-level clinical doctorate program.

Last week, the Eaton Canyon Fire devastated parts of Altadena, leaving a trail of loss and heartbreak. Among those impacted are Genesee McClain and her 12-year-old son, William, whose family home was completely destroyed.

For Genesee, their house was more than just a place to live. It was a cherished family home, owned by her grandmother, who ran a group home there for years before retiring. Afterward, the house became a sanctuary for the McClain family, providing shelter and memories for multiple generations. Genesee, her mother, her brother, and her son William had been living there for the past eight years.

“I was born and raised in Pasadena, but Altadena has always held a special place in my heart,” Genesee shared. “Driving down Loma Alta, seeing the random peacocks in the street, and watching the stars light up the night sky—those moments remind me why this neighborhood feels like home.”

Genesee’s journey to becoming an occupational therapist is deeply personal and rooted in her own family’s experience. Inspired by the transformative impact of OT services on her son, William, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 ½, she decided to make a career change to help others find independence and joy. “I want to be an OT because I have an innate need to help people who can't help themselves,” Genesee said. “When William was receiving OT services at Altadena Elementary, I saw firsthand how it helped him thrive. That’s when I decided to dive headfirst into this profession. I want to bring that same positive, motivational energy to parents in my community and beyond.”

Her decision to pursue this path brought her to the University of Southern California, where she is working toward becoming an occupational therapist. “USC is simply the best,” Genesee said. “The faculty are living legends in the field, and I wanted to be somewhere with the best resources, knowledge, and values. I didn’t even apply anywhere else—I feel so blessed to be here.”

For William, life has been a journey of resilience and discovery. Diagnosed with autism as a toddler, he overcame early challenges with speech and communication, teaching himself phonics on his tablet. By the age of 3 ½, he could read, write, and spell. Now a thoughtful and responsible 12-year-old with an “old soul,” William loves playing Roblox and Minecraft with his friends via FaceTime.

The loss of their home has been especially difficult for William, who also faced fire damage to his middle school and the loss of his caregiver’s home—another place of comfort and stability. Despite these challenges, William is adjusting to this “new normal” with grace and strength, much like his mother.

In the wake of the fire, Genesee and William are facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives. They’ve lost not just their home but also a lifetime of memories. Yet, they remain hopeful, determined to find their way forward with the same resilience and positivity that has guided them through past challenges. Genesee and William’s story is one of love, perseverance, and community. As they navigate the road ahead, they are a testament to the strength it takes to rebuild after loss—and to the power of a mother’s unwavering commitment to her son and her dreams.

At this time, any support to help ease this transition and get them back on their feet with living essentials is greatly appreciated.