Help Maria Ramirez Rebuild After LA Eaton Fire

Help Maria Ramirez Rebuild After the Los Angeles Eaton Fire

Dear friends, family, and compassionate strangers,

I am Kevin Chau, and it is with a heavy heart that I am reaching out to you today to share the story of our dear friend and colleague at Blue Origin, Maria Ramirez. In the recent devastating Eaton fire that ravaged Los Angeles, Maria lost her home, the homes of her sisters, and the entire neighborhood she cherished. On the night of 1/7/25 around 6 PM, the power went out, and one of her sisters called and said there was a fire in Eaton Canyon. Eaton Canyon is only a few miles from their homes. Looking through the backyard, Maria could see the glow of the fire. But very quickly, the glow became clear views of burning flames. With the winds so strong and blowing in their direction, it was clear it would come to the hills right behind our community. So Maria and her family decided to evacuate prior to the official evacuation notice. Luckily, she was able to make it out since her home was consumed in the flames soon after.

She has yet to be able to go back home and see the aftermath as all the roads going into Altadena have been blocked. The picture shown is just her house prior.

Today, we are coming together to support her in this unimaginable time of loss and to help her rebuild.

Maria is one of those rare individuals who brings light and warmth to everyone she meets. Her infectious smile and kind spirit have touched the hearts of many. For years, she has been the first to offer help to those around her. Now, it is our turn to offer her the support she so selflessly gives.

The fire has left Maria with nothing but a handful of clothes and her car. Her home, filled with memories and belongings accumulated over a lifetime, is gone. The neighborhood that once buzzed with the laughter of children and the camaraderie of long-time friends is now a field of ashes. Maria is currently sheltered in a temporary hotel but will need to find a more permanent place to live.

This GoFundMe campaign is to help Maria get back on her feet. The funds raised will be used for several essential needs:

Securing Housing: To provide Maria with a safe and stable place to call home as she works to rebuild her life.

Basic Necessities: To replace essential items like clothing, toiletries, and household goods.

Furniture and Appliances: To help furnish her new home with the basic comforts she needs.

Emotional Support: To ensure Maria has access to counseling and support to process the trauma and loss she has experienced.

Maria has always been the bedrock of the BE-4 Main Fuel Valve team, and it's time we come together to be that support for her. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a tremendous difference and show Maria that she is not alone in this journey. Your generosity will not only help rebuild a home but also restore hope and dignity in a life so dear to us.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with others who might want to help. Together, we can make a profound impact and help Maria start anew!

With gratitude and hope, Kevin Chau