Support for Shelly & Chad: Rebuilding

After a Devastating House Fire

On Thursday, my family’s world was turned completely upside down. A devastating fire broke out in the basement of my Aunt Shelly and Uncle Chad’s home. While the fire was mostly secured in the basement, the damages it has caused has effected the whole home and resulted in everything being declared a total loss.

We are holding onto profound gratitude today because of a matter of moments and pure luck. My Uncle Chad happened to step upstairs just before the fire started. Had he been downstairs, he very likely would not be with us today. While we are endlessly thankful that they are safe, the reality of what followed is overwhelming.

They lost everything. Decades of memories, including irreplaceable wedding photos, were destroyed in minutes, alongside tens of thousands of dollars worth of everyday essentials and belongings. Right now, they literally only have the clothes on their backs.

While home insurance will eventually help rebuild and replace most of what was lost, processing claims takes significant time. In the immediate future, Shelly and Chad are facing the daunting task of starting over from scratch. Like so many right now, they were already navigating the realities of inflation, and this sudden catastrophe brings severe financial strain and emotional distress.

Thankfully, they have secured temporary accommodations, but they need immediate help covering day-to-day living expenses, basic necessities, clothes, and initial transition costs while they work to regain a sense of normalcy.

Shelly and Chad are two of my absolute favorite people in the entire world—generous, kind, and always there for others. I am starting this GoFundMe to help lift some of the heavy financial and mental burden off their shoulders during the hardest trial of their lives.

If you are able to donate, any amount—no matter how small—will go directly toward helping them buy essential daily items and navigate the coming weeks. If you aren't in a position to donate, sharing this page would mean the world to our family.

Thank you so much for your kindness, love, and support for Shelly and Chad during this devastating time.