My family and I have lived in our apartment for 7 years. It was home to my mom (61), my sister Michelle (31), my niece Maya (11), Emily (7), and Alaina (who had just turned 5 the day before the fire), and our dog Luna. On what started as a normal Friday, everything changed in an instant. I was in the room with my girls, and my mom was in the living room watching TV. Suddenly, there was a loud knock and someone yelling 'fire.' Thick smoke filled the air. I grabbed my daughters and rushed out, not even stopping for shoes. In the chaos, I lost sight of my mom, and for an hour we were separated, terrified. Thankfully, we found each other again. My sister rushed home, unable to believe what was happening. The fire grew quickly, and there was nothing we could do but watch as our home—the place where my daughters took their first steps and where we celebrated so many milestones—was destroyed. Now, the building is boarded up, and we have nothing left. We are heartbroken and overwhelmed.

We lost absolutely everything in the fire—left only with the clothes we were wearing when we escaped. The funds raised will help us get back on our feet by covering immediate needs like temporary housing, clothing, and replacing essentials for my daughters, my mom, my sister, and our dog Luna. Every bit of support will help us rebuild and find stability after this tragedy.

If you are able to help, please know that any support, no matter how small, will make a difference for our family. Thank you for caring and for standing with us during this difficult time.