Help the Backstrom Family After Devastating Fire

Dear friends, family, and compassionate neighbors,

My name is Erin Ford, and I was raised in the beautiful city of Altadena, California. I am reaching out with a heavy heart to share the devastating loss my grandparents, Warner and Loretta Backstrom, have recently experienced due to the Eaton Fire in Altadena. This GoFundMe campaign has been created to support them, along with my mother and uncle, in rebuilding their lives.

For decades, Warner and Loretta’s home in Altadena has been the heart and soul of our family—a place filled with memories, laughter, and love. Purchased in 1973, it was more than just a house; it was a sanctuary where they raised their children—Laura, Warner Jr., and Alicia—and later welcomed their grandchildren, Nicole, Amber, and Erin. It held the essence of our family’s history and love.

Warner Backstrom has been a pillar of our community for many years. As president of the Eastside Boys Social Club, he played a pivotal role in shaping the social fabric of a community, which was historically settled by African Americans in the 20th century. Despite facing segregation and limited resources, Warner’s leadership and perseverance helped create a legacy of resilience, determination, and advocacy for better living conditions and opportunities for future generations. His efforts have left a lasting mark on countless lives.

Loretta Backstrom, a loving mother and grandmother, dedicated herself to creating a warm and nurturing home for her family. Together, Warner and Loretta built a legacy of love, service, and strength that has touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know them.

Now, they are faced with an unimaginable challenge. The fire destroyed everything they owned—decades of memories, treasured keepsakes, and the very walls that held our family’s history. To make matters worse, our mother, Laura Backstrom, also lost her home in the fire, further amplifying the burden this tragedy has placed on our family. While we are deeply grateful that everyone is safe, the road to recovery will be long and difficult as they work to rebuild their lives from the ground up.

We are asking for your support during this incredibly challenging time. Any contribution, big or small, will directly help our family cover unexpected costs and address the many aspects of recovery through this crisis. Your generosity will provide them with hope and relief as they navigate this difficult journey.

If you are unable to contribute financially, your prayers, words of encouragement, and sharing of this campaign with others would mean the world to us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with the Backstrom family in this time of need. Your kindness and compassion will help restore their sense of home and hope.

With gratitude,

Erin Ford