May 3, 2025 my apartment burned down. I was able to grab my cat, Starlet, and a pair of shoes before I ran out the front door to the sight seen in the cover photo. After the fire was out, I was able to rescue quite a few items, including my work and personal computers, but everything else was essentially ruined.

I was able to live with my aunt and uncle for a couple weeks, and I'm forever grateful for them and their help. I moved into a new apartment (which I needed to do for more robust Internet for my work) and I've settled in nicely, but unfortunately with rebuilding my life, I've had to use my credit card quite a lot and I'm absolutely drowning in debt. Your generosity will help me with continuing to build my life back and pay down my debt. I've had to delay medical school applications for another year, and the financial strain is just too much. It's like running on a treadmill with the speed turned up too fast, and I've been able to keep up, but I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going.

I don't expect a lot, but literally anything would be appreciated. Thank you all for your help!

After the flames were put out, we sat outside in the parking lot for hours waiting for news.

Starlet and I at the shelter waiting for news.

Move in day