Help the Beal Family After Eaton Fire

My name is Nafasi Ferrell, and I’m from Altadena, California. I am a proud former student of Edison Elementary, which was tragically damaged in the Eaton Canyon Fires, and a graduate of Blair Middle and High School. Pasadena and Altadena have played an enormous role in shaping who I am today, and I am forever connected to this resilient and vibrant community.

Today, I am asking for your help for my family, the Beal family, where we suffered unimaginable loss in the recent fires.

The home we lost wasn’t just a house, it was the heart of our family. Purchased in the early 1970s by my grandmother’s children, it was a place of refuge and love for four generations. It sheltered my grandmother, my mother Billie, my aunt Marva, my uncle Lonnie, my aunt Ann, myself their children and grandchildren. For over 50 years, this home was a cornerstone of our family’s story, where we celebrated milestones, grieved losses, and created memories that defined who we are. This home wasn’t just a private space, it was a welcoming place for neighbors, friends, and our community, hosting countless gatherings and celebrations that brought people together.

That legacy has been reduced to what we have all seen as of late. We’ve lost not just our home but the irreplaceable memories and history it held. My family is struggling to navigate this sudden and immense loss, especially my elders who called this house their home.

About the Beal Family

To help you understand who you’re supporting, I want to share a little about my remarkable family:

• Billie Beal: My mother, a devoted worker for Los Angeles County and the Naval Undersea Warfare Development Center formerly in Pasadena, a survivor of breast cancer and now courageously battling lung cancer. Her strength continues to inspire our family.

• Lonnie Beal: My uncle, a Vietnam War Army veteran who dedicated his career to General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin.

• Ann Huckaby: My aunt, who spent decades bringing joy and kindness to others through her work at Universal Studios.

We also honor my late aunt Marva Beal who worked at Neman Marcus and Universal Studios, who passed away in 2023. Her spirit continues to guide us as we move forward.

How You Can Help

We are reaching out for your generosity and support to help provide for my mother Billie, my uncle Lonnie, and my aunt Ann, all retirees in their late 70s and beyond, as they face this unimaginable hardship. This is an especially challenging time for my mother Billie, who is currently fighting lung cancer with incredible strength and courage. Despite this, she remains the rock of our family, inspiring us every day with her resilience and love.

Donations will help cover critical needs, including:

• Food

• Temporary housing

• Everyday essentials

No contribution is too small.

Thank You

Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express. By supporting us, you’re helping my family regain stability and hold onto the deep connections that made this house a home.

If you are unable to donate, sharing our story with others can make a huge difference. Every share helps us reach people who may be able to assist. Together, we can create new opportunities and honor the legacy of our family.

Thank you so much for being part of our journey during this insanely difficult time.