My Aunt Julie never had her own children, but always stepped up to help when needed. She raised my two sisters and I, and for the past 13 years had been raising my niece, Claire. On July 8th, a devastating house fire engulfed my childhood home, trapping Julie inside. Toto, Claire's emotional support animal, was also lost in the fire. Fortunately, Claire was not at home at the time. My niece is only 13 years old and has lost everything: her home, all her possessions, her sense of safety, and the two souls who were her world.

Julie planned on leaving the house and property (6 acres) to Claire, but she died before making a will. Since she never formally adopted any of the children she cared for, her "estate" will now be split between members of her family following Kansas's succession laws. This week a lawyer confirmed that Claire, as well as my sisters and I, are not part of that family group.

Further, in the past two weeks, the house has been ransacked and heavy rains have caused further damage. Any drawer, cabinet, or closet left standing has been trashed. All of the photos from our collective childhoods were destroyed. Anything that could be taken has been: Julie's sewing machine that she taught Claire and I on, fishing poles we used at the pond behind our house, my aunt's pots and pans (she was an excellent cook), and even scrap metal from the yard.

It has been a heartbreaking and exhausting two weeks. I created this Go Fund Me to honor Julie's wishes and raise funds for Claire to help cover:

Claire is bright, kind, and incredibly strong—but she is having a really hard time. Please donate if you’re able, and share this with others who may want to help. Every gift makes a difference.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

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Here are more details on how the funds will be used for Claire: