I am writing on behalf of Lee's "fictive kin" - members of the close-knit Peace Corps Senegal family that came into being over 50 years ago.

Our dear friends Lee Brainerd her husband Ned Racine and son Drew were among the unfortunate victims of the recent firestorm in Altadena California. Their home has been completely destroyed and it will be a long road to recovery. Please contribute whatever you can to express our love and good wishes.