Help Laura Rebuild After Bear Creek Wildfire

Help Laura Rebuild After Losing Her Home to the Bear Creek Wildfire

Hi, my name is Reese Schwartz, and I'm the daughter of Laura Knowles.

My mom, Laura, has lived in Healy, Alaska for over a decade. She’s a single mother of nine children, four of whom are still living at home and under the age of 18.

On Friday, June 20th, she and the kids were forced to evacuate their home on June Creek due to the Bear Creek wildfires. On June 24th, we received heartbreaking confirmation that their home was completely lost in the fire. Everything they owned is gone—what they have left now fits inside a tent.

Among the children still at home:

Sebastian (16) is the oldest currently living with my mom.

Roman (14, turning 15 in August) is on the autism spectrum.

My 12-year-old sister, Faith, lives with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a chronic illness that affects her mobility and requires ongoing care.

Kory (10) is the youngest, trying to stay strong through a very confusing time.

Right now, they need immediate help with emergency shelter, clothing, food, and basic necessities. Long term, we are hoping to help them either rebuild or relocate to a safe, stable home.

We are so grateful that everyone made it out safely—but the road ahead is long, and we cannot do it alone.

Anything you can give—whether it's a donation, a share, or simply keeping our family in your thoughts—means the world to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With gratitude,

Reese Schwartz