Tonight, our lives changed in an instant. A fire started at our neighbor’s apartment and quickly spread to ours, leaving our home uninhabitable. Thankfully, my wife Kayleena, our dog Bentley, and I all made it out safely, but nearly everything we owned—our clothes, furniture, and cherished belongings—was destroyed. The shock of losing our home is still sinking in, and we’re trying to process what comes next.

This year has already been tough for us. Kayleena has been out of work for six months due to nerve pain, and now, with the fire, we’re facing even more uncertainty. We’re not sure what insurance will cover or how long it will take, so we’re reaching out for help with temporary housing, replacing essentials, and getting back on our feet. Some things, like Kayleena’s preserved wedding bouquet and photos of her grandma who passed away, can never be replaced, but we feel incredibly lucky to still have each other.

It’s not easy for me to ask for help, but for the sake of my wife and Bentley, I’m putting my ego aside. Thank you for reading our story and for any support you can offer. Your kindness will go a long way in helping us rebuild our lives while we wait for insurance to work itself out. We’re grateful for any help, big or small, as we start this difficult journey.