My close friend, Lorraine Petro, (71 years old) lost her house and all her possessions in the Phoenix, Oregon fire. Thankfully, she escaped with her dog, Poppy, her computer, and nothing else. There was no warning; just the sheriff banging on her door, telling her to leave immediately. This was her first home, in a senior community, and she is dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety as she tries to recover. After sheltering briefly with an acquaintance, then staying in a motel for a couple of nights, she is now renting a furnished room with a kitchenette in Ashland, OR. She has insurance but it will take time for her claim to be settled and much of it will go to paying off her mortgage and will not cover the costs of moving to a new community, making a down payment on a new home or a security deposit on a rental or buying everything she needs to replace what was lost, when she eventually finds a place to move permanently.
Lorraine is someone who has given to others all her life. Her career has been as an educator and advocate for children. She has taught special needs children and at risk children, and at the time of the start of the pandemic was working with students who were struggling with learning disabilities. She is currently a volunteer with CASA, an organization that advocates for foster children in the legal system. She has worked on environmental issues in her community and has always valued people coming together to better the world. I know it would mean a lot to her to get support from her friends and others.
Lorraine and I have been friends for 45 years. We met at an office at which we were both working, soon after each of us moved from elsewhere to live in San Francisco. A lot has happened over those years but I have always counted on Lorraine for support. When I had breast cancer 20 years ago, she was always there for me, anticipating my needs and giving generously of herself.
I hope you will consider making a donation, no matter the size. Knowing that people care will be very helpful to her ability to heal and move ahead.
Thank you.
Lorraine is someone who has given to others all her life. Her career has been as an educator and advocate for children. She has taught special needs children and at risk children, and at the time of the start of the pandemic was working with students who were struggling with learning disabilities. She is currently a volunteer with CASA, an organization that advocates for foster children in the legal system. She has worked on environmental issues in her community and has always valued people coming together to better the world. I know it would mean a lot to her to get support from her friends and others.
Lorraine and I have been friends for 45 years. We met at an office at which we were both working, soon after each of us moved from elsewhere to live in San Francisco. A lot has happened over those years but I have always counted on Lorraine for support. When I had breast cancer 20 years ago, she was always there for me, anticipating my needs and giving generously of herself.
I hope you will consider making a donation, no matter the size. Knowing that people care will be very helpful to her ability to heal and move ahead.
Thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lorraine Petro
Beneficiary