Our family is asking for help after a sudden and devastating tragedy.

My mom, stepdad & wife, and children—my three little brothers and little sister—and even our two dogs, have lost everything in a house explosion and fire at their home in Chicago, Illinois.

There was a gas leak in the house, and by the grace of God, the family had just left to take my younger brothers to get a haircut. Tomorrow is my youngest brother’s 7th birthday. Just moments after they left, the house exploded and caught fire.

Everything is gone.

Their home was completely destroyed, along with all of their belongings—clothes, shoes, beds, blankets, personal items, and irreplaceable memories. All of my little brother’s birthday gifts, including his new trampoline, were lost in the fire. What should have been a joyful celebration has turned into a heartbreaking loss.

One of our dogs was still inside during the explosion and had to be rushed to the emergency vet. At this time, we are still unsure of her condition.

Right now, all seven of them are displaced with nothing but the clothes they left in. They don’t have basic necessities like food, water, pillows, or blankets. They are doing everything they can just to stay safe and get through the rest of the day and the days tomorrow.

My mom is a hardworking single mother who works multiple jobs to support her family. Because of this tragedy, she now has to step away from work temporarily to figure out housing, care for her children, and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. The kids are having to step away from attending school for some time as well.

At the moment, they are trying to survive day by day while still having to cover essential expenses like their car payment, gas, and insurance for the only vehicle they have—something they may even need for temporary shelter.

We are asking for any support you can give—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser. Every dollar will go toward helping them with immediate needs like food, clothing, temporary shelter, and eventually rebuilding their home and lives.

We are beyond grateful that they are alive. Now we are just trying to help them recover from losing everything.

Thank you so much for your kindness, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.