In the early hours of the morning on July 1st, my coworker and friend, a veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Kate Bedard, woke to her house being on fire and needing to evacuate. Luckily, she, her daughter, and her husband escaped unharmed. One cat suffered mild smoke inhalation and foot pad burns and has been hospitalized but is doing well. The other cat and dog went missing but have been found.

To make matters more stressful, Kate is 8 months pregnant with their second baby. The family is currently staying with relatives while navigating insurance. As a Californian whose brother lost his home and has had friends lose their homes to wildfires, I know how overwhelming this is.

I am starting this GoFundMe to help Kate's family get back on their feet as the insurance process is often slow. Kate is one of the friendliest, kindest people, and all of us at our veterinary hospital adore her.

Any amount will help.