Help Sheila Reynolds & Alan Hunter after home fire

On Friday, October 1, 2021, a house fire broke out on the third floor of my parent´s Queen Village home. The fire broke out when my mother was home alone watching television on the 2nd floor. Officials determined the cause of the fire was an accident. We are grateful to the neighbors who called the fire department immediately upon seeing smoke and thankful to the brave firefighters who showed up in 1 minute on the scene. Due to their heroic actions, my mother made it out alive.

 

The house, however, is destroyed by fire, smoke, and water. My father lost all his personal belongings: photographs, collections, and memorabilia. All the furniture in the entire house will have to be tossed. All the floors and carpets must be removed and discarded. A rebuilding of the interior of the house will be done from top to bottom. My parents are out of their home for six months, at least. After living on the block for 30+ years, this is a shock.

 

On top of that, a few weeks before the fire, my mother received a late-stage diagnosis of lung cancer! This is devastating news, but it is treatable. However, my father is 82 years old, and my mother is his primary caretaker at this stage of his life. She had started immunotherapy, and just before the fire that same morning, I was with her at Jefferson Hospital, where she had a minor procedure! We remain optimistic and upbeat and know that she will survive this diagnosis and return to health. But, these are trying times. The doctors say it is a marathon, not a sprint. We ask for prayers and support.

 

My mother needs to rest and focus on her health. Any added stress will only affect her physically, as well as my dad. I am asking friends and family to come together and support my parents. They rely on social security, as my Mom is not able to work for a while. There will be repairs above/beyond the specific things home insurance replaces and some medical bills beyond the Medicare Advantage Plan she has. And, of course, other day-to-day expenses. I am reaching out to ask for help. Any donation that you can give to support my parents at this time is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!