During the recent ice storm, my sister Sammi Nelson and her 11-year-old son Everett lost everything in a house fire. Their home, their belongings, and even their vehicles were destroyed. They escaped with their lives — but now they are starting over with nothing. Everett is an 11-year-old autistic boy who depends on routine and familiar spaces to feel safe. In one night, his room, his comfort items, and his sense of security were gone. His world has been turned upside down in a way that’s hard to put into words.

Sammi is a strong, hardworking mom who has always taken care of her family. She is not someone who asks for help and she is not begging. But this was more than anyone could prepare for, and rebuilding alone just isn’t possible right now. They need help securing housing, replacing basic necessities, finding transportation, and creating a safe, stable space for Everett again. This isn’t about replacing “things” — it’s about restoring safety and stability for a mom and her son.

Every day matters. Every donation or share helps more than you know. Thank you for supporting Sammi and Everett as they begin the long road to rebuilding their lives.