Today, our family experienced a devastating house fire that destroyed the home we worked so hard to build. We bought this home after saving every dollar we could because we wanted a place to truly call home for our family. In a matter of moments, that home and everything inside it was gone. Our deepest loss is our beloved dog, Bruno.

Bruno was not just a pet. He was family in every sense of the word. He was our amazing doodle, full of life, funny, outgoing, affectionate, and always had a way of bringing joy into our home. He had such a big personality and was deeply woven into our everyday lives. He was part of our routines, part of our children’s world, part of our comfort, and part of what made our house feel like home. He was loved beyond words, and his presence meant so much to all of us. Losing Bruno in this fire has been one of the most painful parts of this tragedy. In the middle of the smoke and chaos, I tried with everything in me to save him. I broke all my nails trying to get to him and get him out, but he would not leave the home. He died from smoke, and the heartbreak of that is something I am still trying to process. There is a level of pain and trauma that comes with knowing how hard I fought for him and still being unable to save him. We are carrying not only the grief of losing our home, but the deep emotional loss of losing a member of our family who brought so much love, laughter, and life into our days.

Along with our home, we lost nearly everything our family depended on. Clothing, shoes, children’s belongings, personal items, phones, iPads, computers, work equipment, and the everyday essentials of life were all destroyed in the fire.

This fundraiser is being shared to support our family as we take the first steps forward after this loss. Support will go toward immediate needs such as clothing, toiletries, food, housing essentials, children’s essentials, and replacing the most basic items needed to begin again. Even while experiencing one of the greatest losses of our lives, we are incredibly thankful for community, for good people, and for the many prayers already surrounding our family. That love and support means more than words can say. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, prayed for us, shared our story, and stood with us during this painful time. We are deeply grateful. We are deeply grateful for any support, encouragement, or kindness you can offer as we begin to rebuild our lives. Your help means more than words can express.