**My 86-year-old father and my sister returned to a building ordered to be evacuated due to structural damage from the earthquake. They had nowhere else to go.** Today, as aftershocks continue, they live each day not knowing whether the building they call home is truly safe.
Many friends, colleagues, and members of my community have asked how they could help my family. Asking for help has never come easily to me, but after much thought, I decided to create this fundraiser for those who wanted a way to make a meaningful difference.
My father dedicated more than 50 years of his life to educating future generations as a university professor. **Even before the earthquake, he spent months caring for one of his closest friends through cancer treatment. Just ten days before the earthquake, his friend lost an arm after surgery.** Today, my sister is caring for both my father and his lifelong friend. Even now, despite their own hardships, they continue sharing food, water, and whatever they have with neighbors who are struggling. **_Helping others has always been who they are._**
Our first priority is making sure they are safe. We are working to obtain a professional structural evaluation of the building as soon as possible. If the building is unsafe, the funds will help provide temporary housing and essential living expenses. If it can be safely repaired, the funds will help cover emergency structural repairs, food and clean drinking water, a water storage tank, a generator for frequent power outages, an electric stove, a washing machine, medications and medical supplies, repairs to damaged walls, electrical fixtures, and kitchen areas, and other essential household and emergency expenses.
Every donation, no matter the amount, will help keep my father and sister safe as they begin rebuilding their lives. I will share updates about their situation and how your generosity is helping. If you know me personally, you know I rarely ask for help. _**Today, I am not asking for myself. I am asking for my father, my sister, and our family, who have spent a lifetime caring for others.**_ If you are able to help—or simply share this page—our family will be deeply grateful. _Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your generosity. It means more to us than words can express. With gratitude, Ana Stearns._