On Monday, Feb 22, 2021 our Loretto sister and best friend Bernadine Berardi and her family heard their fire alarm go off, and saw thick, black smoke rise up from the basement. With just moments to spare and the shirts on their backs they ran out for safety and called 911. Concerned about gas lines in the area, seven firefighter trucks arrived within 10 minutes, but not before their whole basement was engulfed in flames, climbing up inside the walls of the main floor.

The family will need to relocate for the next 8-12 months while the extensive damage and loss to their family home and belongings is assessed. Insurance will cover some of the cost, but not all, and some things cannot be replaced.

Bern and her family are in shock and have asked for nothing but prayers.  So many people (including us, the lovely Ladies of Loretto) want to assist in some way, and that’s why this GFM got started.  For those in a position to help, please consider donating what you can to ease some of the initial burden and worry of our dearest friends.