Help Phetsy & Derrick After Fire Destroys Home

Hi All, Tracy here.

My friend Phetsy Dutchko and I worked together at Hewlett Packard (HP) in the Network Services team for many years back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s – you may have known her then as Phetsy Calderon. We’ve remained friends all these years, and proud HP Alumni.

Recently, Phetsy and her stepson Derrick Dutchko suffered a devastating house fire that demolished their home, cars, all of their belongings, and killed two beloved cats. The loss of their home and pets comes less than one month after losing Phetsy’s long-time partner, Kevin Ritschel, following a year-long battle with prostate cancer.

I hope you will join me in supporting Phetsy and her stepson Derrick as they begin to rebuild their lives.

On the evening of September 27, 2023, they heard a fire alarm and raced from their rooms to see their deck engulfed in flames. They tried to put the fire out, but the outdoor hose had no water; within five minutes the house was ablaze. Derrick grabbed his dog, Nugget, and Phetsy grabbed her phone and wallet, but that is pretty much all they have left.

They ran down the long, rocky hill barefoot and survived. Phetsy’s horse Phoenix survived, and they have been able to recover one of their five cats, Kitten. They are hopeful they will be able to catch two of their other kitties whom have been spotted nearby but have been evasive. A faulty electric panel is the suspected cause of the fire.

Phetsy and Derrick are in immediate need of purchasing camping gear, warm clothing and jackets, sturdy shoes, and essentials to camp on the property once they are cleared to move back. While they wait for insurance relief, they also need a car and seek to rent / purchase a trailer.

Those of you who know Phetsy know that she is an incredibly strong and independent woman who is used to efficiently solving problems for others rather than asking for help; this double loss is too great to bear and she needs our help. Any and all financial support or gifts of essentials are greatly appreciated.

A wishlist for both short-term and longer-term needs has been created on Amazon for those wishing to donate physical items. Please be sure to check the delivery address associated with "Phetsy's Gift Registry Address" so she can receive the items more directly.

Short-term (immediate) needs: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/YV8KHX6X5V3B?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_R8C4Vf16oEzL9

Longer-term needs: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1TFOJFTJ0XYP?ref_=wl_fv_le

Phetsy and Derrick wish to thank the Bryson-Hesperia community and their neighbors for their immediate response (faster than 911!) and they are grateful that Cal Fire contained the blaze.

Please pitch in to help Phetsy and Derrick get back on their feet after this devastating loss.

Thank you for your consideration and support!

Tracy Traphagan DeDore