Help a young family after a devastating apartment fire caused by arson.

In the early hours of January 16th, my sister’s apartment building in Milwaukee was intentionally set on fire, displacing multiple families and causing devastating loss. We are raising funds to support Kessy (28), Luis (32), and their 9-year-old daughter, Ni’Lah.

While trying to escape the fire, Kessy suffered severe smoke inhalation injuries and is currently recovering in the ICU. Ni’Lah was able to escape by jumping out of a second-story window, which resulted in a leg injury. Luis was not in the home at the time due to his early work schedule. Beyond the physical injuries, this family is also facing the severe emotional trauma of the experience and will require ongoing therapy and mental health support as they work through the fear, loss, and stress caused by this event.

As Kessy continues to heal, Luis and Ni’Lah are coping not only with the fear and trauma of nearly losing a partner and mother, but also with the sudden loss of their home and all their belongings. In a matter of minutes, everything my sister’s family owned was destroyed. While the lost physical items can be replaced, some were irreplaceable personal items.

My sister’s family is now facing displacement, medical uncertainty, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial strain all at once.

Funds raised will help cover:

• Temporary housing and relocation costs

• Medical treatment and recovery-related expenses

• Lost income while Kessy is unable to work

• Clothing, shoes, and daily necessities

• Replacing furniture and essential household items

• Any additional unexpected costs related to the event

No child should worry about where they will lay their head at night, or whether their mother will be okay. No parent should have to recover in a hospital while wondering how to rebuild a home from nothing. While they will stay with family during this time, the loss of everything they have worked for over the years is truly devastating.

Any donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference. Please, if you are unable to donate, share this fundraiser to help spread the word.

We extend our deepest thanks to the first responders and the Milwaukee Police Department for their immediate and compassionate assistance during this challenging time. Their dedication has provided comfort and reassurance to our family as we face these overwhelming challenges.

We are also profoundly grateful to our friends, and even those we have never met, who have reached out with kindness, prayers, and support. Every act of support, no matter how big or small, is helping us move forward, and we cannot thank you enough for standing with us.

All funds raised through this fundraiser are intended to support Kessy, Luis, and Ni’Lah’s recovery and basic needs following this tragedy. If Kessy, the intended recipient, is unable to manage the funds or in the event of unexpected medical complications, donations will be directed to a trusted adult family member and used solely for the care, housing, education, and well-being of Ni’Lah, in accordance with GoFundMe policies and applicable laws.