Help Kelly and Flynn Rebuild After Eaton Fire

My name is Lourdes Valentine, and I am reaching out on behalf of my dear friend, Kelly Hernacki, who recently experienced an unimaginable loss due to the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena. Kelly has lost her home, along with many cherished possessions, and is now facing the challenging task of rebuilding her life.

Please Help Kelly and Flynn Rebuild after Massive Loss from the Eaton Fire

“Think I lost my home,” were the words that came over text from my friend, Kelly Hernacki, the day after the Eaton fire — the fifth deadliest fire in California history — ravaged her neighborhood. My heart sank as I read them. I had known the danger was real, but hearing those words — knowing how much that home meant to her — was a punch to the gut. It wasn’t just a house that was lost. It was the place where memories were made from birthday celebrations to tearful moments, the comfort of familiar surroundings, and the stability that we all take for granted until something like this happens.

She had returned to Altadena just a day before, preparing for the wind gusts and power outages that were predicted. But nothing could have prepared her for what came next. As the fire crept closer, she had to leave everything behind — grabbing just a few important items and her dog and best friend, Flynn. The rest was gone. As the hours passed and the fire spread, it became clear: her home was no longer there.

Now, as she faces the long road of rebuilding a home she had been for more than 20 years, I’m reaching out to all of you, hoping you can offer a hand in this time of need.

Kelly is one of those rare people who radiates kindness and generosity in everything she does. As a friend, she’s the one who always checks in, who remembers your birthday without fail, and who goes out of her way to make sure you feel loved. She’s not just an amazing friend, though — she’s also a loving sister, a nurturing dog mom, a dedicated colleague and a true pillar of strength. Even when life gets tough, Kelly faces every challenge with bravery and resilience.

One of the things that always struck me about Kelly is how thoughtful she is. No matter where she is in the world, she’ll send you a postcard just to let you know she’s thinking of you. It’s that small but meaningful gesture that shows her heart, her care, and her belief in staying connected, no matter the distance.

Now, after losing everything to the Eaton fire, Kelly’s facing the overwhelming challenge — but I know that if anyone can rebuild and recover, it’s her. But she can’t do it alone. That’s why I’m asking for your help.

Please consider helping her and Flynn start again. Every donation, every share, every kind word will go a long way in helping her rebuild. Kelly has always been there for others, and now, it’s our turn to be there for her.

Thank you so much for any support you can give during this difficult time.

This is from Kelly:

The fire moved so quickly, swallowing everything in its path, leaving destruction in its wake. I could barely grasp the reality of it. One moment, I was back home in Altadena, preparing for wind gusts and power outages, and the next, I was fleeing with nothing but my dog and a few belongings, unsure if I'd ever return to what had been my sanctuary and safe haven.

On Monday, I returned to my home in Altadena, preparing for extreme wind gusts as warnings of possible power outages rolled in. By Tuesday evening, the fire in Eaton Canyon erupted, and by 2:30 AM Wednesday, our neighbor Brett called to warn us that it was time to evacuate. We could see the flames approaching from our front yard, and with ash, smoke, and high winds swirling around us, I grabbed my dog Flynn and a few important things.

We joined our neighbors at the Rose Bowl, trying to find safety, but as the smoke thickened and the fire spread, it became clear that our homes were in danger.

On Thursday, we learned that our block was gone. My house, like so many others, was lost to the flames.

While devastated, I’m filled with gratitude—grateful to my neighbors who looked out for each other, and to my friends who ensured Flynn got to safety, and offered us a place to stay when we needed it most, despite how we looked after the chaos.

This fire has changed everything, but it hasn’t changed how blessed I am to have such a supportive circle of family, friends, and neighbors. While the road ahead is long, and the memories of the things we’ve lost will bring tears, I know that together, we will rebuild and make new memories.

Thank you for standing with me.

With love and gratitude,

Kelly (and Flynn)