My brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Tammy Skinner, lost their family home in a fire this week. A neighbor texted me, saying she thought Jeff and Tammy’s house was on fire, and my first thought was, “Are they safe?”

Thank God Tammy was at work, and Jeff was able to get out of the house in time. He tried to put out the fire, but it was already burning out of control and there was too much smoke. He went to a neighbor’s house and called 911.

It’s been a rough decade for Jeff and Tammy. A few years ago, Jeff had a terrible wreck, suffered multiple injuries, including a broken back, and spent months bedridden. He and Tammy never gave up, and after years of struggle and pain, Jeff was able to get back to work. Tammy worked the whole time, through all of this, and took care of Jeff and things around the house. They were fighting to get their head above water. The loss of their house and everything in it is devastating. I’m trying to encourage them to see this as a fresh start because they truly are starting over, and there’s nowhere to go but up.

None of us like asking, but they desperately need help. If you’re in a position to donate, it will be greatly appreciated.