On behalf of my sister Haley, my husband Connor, and myself, I’m creating this fundraiser for my parents, Matt and Vanessa, and my younger brother, Matt Jr., after they lost their home in the Old Trails Fire in Spokane.

Anyone who knows my parents knows they would never ask for help themselves—not in a million years. That’s why we’re asking on their behalf. As their children and siblings, we simply couldn’t stand by without trying to help. We wanted to give those who know and love them the opportunity to come alongside them during this incredibly devastating time and help ease even a small part of the burden they now carry.

Our family lost more than a house—we lost the home that had been in our family for 41 years. It was the home where my mom grew up, where my parents built a life together, and where they raised my brother (Matt Jr), my sister (Haley), and me (Emily). Two generations of our family called this place home. Nearly every memory of our childhood was made within those walls and it was filled with decades of love, memories, and moments that can never be replaced.

In recent months, my dad had been pouring countless hours into renovating the home, always finding another project to make it even better for our family. When the fire reached their neighborhood, my dad and my brother, Matt Jr., did everything they could to save the home they loved while also working tirelessly to help their neighbors. Many have now seen the video of our dad standing on the roof with a garden hose, refusing to give up. Watching him fight so relentlessly for the home he loved only reaffirmed what we've always known: our dad is a man of extraordinary integrity, quiet strength, and sacrificial love. We will always be proud to call him our hero.

Although our home was lost, we are incredibly grateful that my family made it out safely—a gift we will never take for granted. As they begin the difficult journey of rebuilding, every donation will go directly toward helping provide a foundation for starting over. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or keeping our family—and every family affected by the Old Trails Fire—in your prayers would mean the world to us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support. We are deeply grateful for every person who has reached out, shared our story, and come alongside our family during this incredibly difficult time. We will never forget it.

With gratitude,

Emily, Connor, and Haley