In the early hours of the first weekend of July, Isabelle and her daughter Jasmine were awakened by their fire alarms. They were able to make it out of the house safely along with the dogs, but sadly, their home was significantly damaged, and they lost two cats and their bird. The news estimated it was ~ $250K in damages, but the Fire Department Inspectors now assess it as more significant at over $1 million. They have been able to retrieve some personal mementos, but almost everything else is damaged or unrecoverable. Her daughter, Kiana, had left earlier in the evening and was in her home safe, thank goodness. Unfortunately, the pet cats Ginger, Jasper and Buddy the bird did not make it out safely.

I am organizing this campaign as a friend, neighbour, and former colleague. Many of you already know Isabelle as kind-hearted and dedicated to her family and friends. If you are reading this and you have not had the pleasure of meeting her, you should know she is not only a dedicated daughter, mom, and friend, but she is also extremely principled and hardworking in both her personal and professional life. Isabelle is a private and independent person who would not want her business splashed all over the internet, but since the news did that already, she has graciously agreed to this GoFundMe campaign.

I can share that Isabelle is suffering from a significant health challenge and is currently on long-term disability from her employer while she focuses on her recovery. She has also spent much of her energy these last months in that battle, handling her mother’s transition into Long Term Care and helping her daughter prepare for her wedding planned for August (some wedding supplies and gifts were damaged in the fire as well). This home fire was the last thing she needed to happen to her!!!

Isabelle’s insurance will cover the rebuild cost and much of the contents. However, this process takes months, so the goal of $10K is based on us supporting her through a few months of critical and urgent expenses while items are sorted. This will enable Isabelle to focus on her own health and spend her energy (as she usually does) on her other family members, not worrying about her finances.

Many people have asked how they can help. Often we will support such situations with casseroles (she has no kitchen!), cleaning (dust bunnies burned in the fire!), wellness support (that is what her healthcare team is for!), and so I say…this campaign is how you can help. Thank you for considering supporting Isabelle!