On January 7th 2025, the Palisades fire devastated the community, and my sister Sarah Whitelaw, my brother-in-law Darrell, and their two children, Cody and Elliott, lost their home. Thankfully, they are all safe, but the emotional and financial toll of losing their home has been overwhelming.

Sarah, who has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS), has ongoing medical needs and frequent doctor’s appointments for her treatment in Los Angeles. The fire has made it even harder for her to manage her condition, with now increased costs for transportation and temporary housing between appointments, while also coping with the added stress of displacement.

In addition to their home, they’ve lost many precious sentimental items, including their surfboards—symbols of their love for the coast—and, most heartbreakingly, Elliott and Cody’s treasured childhood things that cannot be replaced. Their home wasn’t just a place to live—it was the heart of their family, filled with memories and irreplaceable moments.

As they begin to rebuild their lives, the family is facing rising costs for hotels, transportation to medical appointments, and the need to replace some of the belongings lost in the fire earlier this week. The road ahead will be long, but they are deeply grateful for the support from their community. Any assistance or donations will go a long way in helping them through this challenging time as they work to heal, rebuild, and move forward.

Photo of Sarah in front of their home in Pacific Palisades:

Photo from a video shot of what was remaining. You can see the frame of their Volkswagen Golf: