Earlier today, on May 5, 2026, my family’s life changed in the blink of an eye. A fire that started nearby quickly spread toward our home, and within minutes, everyone was rushing outside, trying to make sure everyone made it out safely. There was no time to think, no time to grab belongings, no time to process what was happening. One moment everything was normal, and the next, we were standing outside watching everything change. Not only did we lose photos and history we carried, but we also lost our 2 cats.

This home we shared kept us together for 12 plus years, including children and my Down syndrome sister who depended heavily on the comfort, routine, and familiarity of what we called home. Losing that safe space so suddenly has been heartbreaking and emotionally overwhelming for everyone involved, even our next-door neighbors.

Almost everything was left behind in the chaos — clothes, important documents, shoes, electronics, personal belongings, and memories collected over years of life together. Things most of us don’t even think twice about having every day are now things we have to start over and replace from scratch.

Right now, our family is just trying to stay strong and figure out the next steps while we try to rebuild our lives after this unexpected tragedy.

If you’re able to donate, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Truly, anything helps. And even if you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser and keeping our family in your prayers means more than you know. Today has been one of the hardest days of our lives, and any support, kindness, or love can make a bigger difference than you realize.