A few days ago, my aunt Sandra and my two cousins, Antonio and Kristofer, lost everything when a fire tore through their apartment. In a matter of minutes, years of memories, belongings, and their sense of safety were gone.

If you know them, you know they are the last people who would ever ask for help. They are the kind of family who quietly shows up for everyone else—whether it’s offering a meal (especially Teta’s delicious sourdough bread) or just simply being there for everyone around them in more ways than one. They give from the heart, always.

Now, they’re the ones who need a community behind them. They’re starting from scratch and facing the overwhelming task of replacing essentials, finding stable housing, and rebuilding their lives piece by piece.

Any contribution—no matter the size—will make a meaningful difference as they work to recover from this unimaginable loss. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page helps more than you know.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support. ❤️

With love,

Samantha Cogelja