<div>In 2017, Maria Pia Apolonio, warmly known to all as "Pia", left her home country of the Philippines to start a new chapter of her life in America. Pia said goodbye to everything she has ever known, gave her family a hug goodbye, and left home with two suitcases of belongings. Pia knew that once she entered the states, she was going to be starting from scratch. Between the years of 2017 and 2024, Pia built a new life for herself. She established herself in a thriving career, made a new friend group, and proudly became a US citizen.
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<div>Sadly for Pia, that all changed February 16, 2024 when she was frantically woken up in her basement bedroom by the homeowner and courageous firefighters, urging her to exit the house due to the smell of gas. Thankfully, they both made it out of the house moments before the Sterling Virginia home exploded. "I remember getting into my car. Before I could close my door, the house exploded." Pia stated.
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<div>Because Pia was only staying in the basement of the home, she has no renters insurance to assist her with starting over. She has no home, no belongings, and no local family. Yet again, Pia faces starting over. The life of the firefighter that was tragically lost and the multiple firefighter injuries sustained during this devastating event makes asking the community for help extremely hard, but Pia would appreciate any and all support.
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Jackie Lauer

Anonymous

Shannon Wright

Louis Kaiser

Nathan Read

Ricky Pham

Joanna Marie Estiller

George D'Amore

Angelica Legarda

Maria Pia Apolonio-Sterling Home Explosion

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