My name is John, and I’m reaching out after a devastating house fire changed my life in an instant. While I was in between insurance companies, my home caught on fire, and my new policy was too recent to offer any help. In my efforts to stop the fire from spreading, I severely burned my right hand, making the days since the fire even more challenging. I’ve had to lean on my wife and family more than ever, and while I’m grateful for their support, it’s been hard not to feel like a burden.

The fire took so much from us. I lost my laptop, microphone, and over a decade’s worth of Warhammer terrain and miniatures—items that represent years of creativity and connection with friends. My wife and I were lucky to save most of our clothes, but we lost everything in the kitchen. The biggest loss for me is my entire collection of camping gear. For 25 years, hiking and long-distance primitive camping have been my passion, and all of that gear and investment disappeared in an instant. My roommate and I also lost significant portions of our Magic the Gathering collections, with him losing even more than I did.

I know my situation isn’t the most heart wrenching, and I’m not asking to replace every lost item. What I’m hoping for is help to rebuild and make new memories with my family and friends, through the activities and hobbies that bring us together. Any support you can offer will help us recover, heal, and look forward to brighter days. Thank you for reading and for considering a donation to help us move forward.