My name is Ciara Sandidge. In the early evening of April 2nd, my grandfather, retired Air Force MSgt James Henry Applegate, died in a tragic house fire along with close to a dozen of his household pets. My aunt, who lived with him, had just gotten guardianship of my little cousin, and they lost everything. Two pets survived; one of them was badly burned and was at the vet until just the other day but still has a long road to recovery. I am hoping to raise funds for my aunt to get back on her feet with my little cousin. I the ultimate goal is to help get enough for a down payment for a steel frame mini home so she and my little cousin can live comfortably. Thankfully, funeral costs and burial are covered by the VA, I do believe.

I want my grandfather to be remembered as the amazing man he was. 20+ years in the Air Force, served in Vietnam, he took in all the stray animals and even stray people! So many friends with hard home lives had an open spot and a plate at their dinner table. He loved his family and animals fiercely until the very end. Thank you so much for reading story, and if you choose to donate, thank you even more!