I'm raising funds for my parents and my brother after a devastating fire completely destroyed their home in Middletown, Pennsylvania, taking nearly everything our family had spent a lifetime building. 
 
 
 Sadly, this is not the first time my parents have had to start over. In 2011, they lost the house I grew up in, the home where they had lived for more than 40 years and raised our family. After that, they moved into the old train station where my dad had operated his business for decades and slowly transformed it into their home. Now, more than 15 years later, they have lost their home again. 
 
 
 That afternoon, around 2:00 p.m., the power suddenly went out. As my dad tried to figure out what was wrong, a small flame was spotted near the bedroom. In a matter of seconds, everything changed. The circuit box exploded, flames shot into the air, and the fire spread so quickly that the entire home was soon engulfed. The smoke became so thick it was nearly impossible to see. 
 
 
 My dad immediately tried to get my mom out. Because my mom already has difficulty walking, escaping was especially difficult. In the middle of that chaos, he stayed remarkably calm. At 84 years old, he went back into the burning house twice to reach her, and with the help of a young neighbor, carried her to safety. It was an act of extraordinary bravery and love in the face of grave danger. My mom is still in the hospital with a badly burned hand that needs skin grafts, as well as lung damage from extensive smoke inhalation. We are incredibly grateful they made it out alive, and we are taking everything one day at a time as she heals. 
 
 
 My brother, who lives with my parents and helps care for them, lost his home too. Through all of this, my family has met an unthinkable moment with the same quiet resourcefulness and kindness they have always shown to others. 
 
 
 We have been able to secure a furnished two-bedroom, one-bathroom Airbnb nearby for one month, which has been a huge relief. It is especially important that they stay close to Hershey Medical Center while my mom remains under care and continues her recovery. But one month goes by quickly, and there are still so many unknowns ahead. 
 
 
 Donations will help cover temporary housing beyond this first month, along with clothing, shoes, toiletries, personal belongings, household necessities, and medical and recovery expenses not covered by insurance. Right now, we are simply trying to give my parents and brother some breathing room as they begin to rebuild their lives after losing so much. 
 
 
 My parents are the kind of people who have always stayed cheerful, welcomed others, and done what they could for the people around them. They would never ask for help themselves, which is why I am asking on their behalf now. If you are able to give or share this fundraiser, it would mean so much to our family during this incredibly difficult time. 
 
 
 If you're unable to donate financially, please don't feel obligated. We are just as grateful for your love, care, and support in any form. Your prayers and sharing our family's story will help us enormously. Every bit of support means more than you know. 
 
 
 We are also welcoming physical donations. Some of our immediate needs include: 
<ul>
 <li>Women's clothing — size Small</li>
 <li>Women's shoes and winter boots — size 8</li>
 <li>Men's clothing — size Medium</li>
 <li>Men's shoes and winter boots — size 9</li>
 <li>Toothpaste, floss, face wash, and face moisturizer</li>
 <li>Winter hats, gloves, and coats</li>
</ul>They will be moving to the Airbnb on November 4, and I will share the address with anyone who would like to drop off donations. I will also coordinate physical donations and share a more detailed list once everything is organized. Thank you for helping us take care of Mom, Dad, and my brother during one of the hardest moments of our lives. Your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support will help our family find its footing again and begin the long process of rebuilding.

Elizabeth Shreve

Catherine Hardenbergh

Anonymous

jim tobin

Elizabeth Melcher

T Russell

David Weiser

Nathan Dincher

Brandon Braughler

Andrew Moses

Anthony Lin

Jeffrey Shaw

Emily Schademan

Melissa McIntyre

Robert Rusanowsky

Amanda Snow

Wendy Shaffer

Gwendolyn Louise

Travis Pinkner

Rebuilding After My Parents' House Fire

Rebuilding After My Parents' House Fire

Still $10,105 to go. Help us build momentum.