Lost Everything in an RV Fire: Help Me Back Into a Home of My Own

My RV had been broken down in a parking lot, and was so afraid of it getting towed before I could fix it. So I worked all day and into the night replacing the fuel pump, carburetor filter, fuel line, and spark plugs, determined to get back on the road.

When I went to start it, it ran with starter fluid then died trying each time I replaced a part I ran out of starting fluid but I figured air was trapped in the fuel line, so I poured a little gas into the carburetor. The engine backfired, and fire shot up through the carburetor like a rocket, igniting the gas in my hand and the can nearby. I was on fire. Remembering stop, drop and roll.

I threw myself out the driver's door and rolled on the ground to put the flames out. Then I thought of my dog, Dolly, who was still inside. I ran around to the other side, ripped open a locked door, and ran into the fire and got her out.

I survived with third-degree burns on my arm and 2nd on my ear and back I was taking to a hospital then life flighted to the burn center where I spent the next eleven day's. My medical care was covered by insurance, but I only carried liability on the RV, so I lost the RV and everything in it.

I'm disabled, and the RV was my home. Now Dolly and I are staying in a camper that isn't mine, and I have about a month to find somewhere else to live. I still want to sell collectibles online (antiques, baseball cards, and shoes) as I'm able, but I'm starting from scratch.

My goal is $5,000, and here's what it would cover:

A deposit and first month's rent on an apartment, or a van I can live in

Replacing clothing, bedding, and other essentials

Basic furnishings and reliable transportation

Even $2,500 would get me into a safe place. Every gift, large or small, helps, and so does sharing this. Thank you for reading my story.