Rebuilding Hope for the Ortiz-Winkey Family

Hello,

My name is Lenee Ortiz.

Daughter of Wade and Rose Winkey.

I write this with my heart filled with so many emotions.

On Tuesday evening, I received a late phone call from my father. I immediately felt it in my gut that something was wrong. He then told me that our family home was on fire.

For a whole minute, I couldn't wrap my head around what he had just told me. It's like my body went numb. I thought about all the worst possible outcomes.

He then informed me that everyone made it out unharmed.

My big brother Louis was lying down and noticed a burning smell.

As he walked into the hallway, the smell grew even stronger.

He immediately ran into my parents' room. There is where he confirmed that the strong burning smell was actually a fire in our parents' room.

He immediately rushed downstairs and told our parents to grab the dog, evacuate the house immediately, and tell our neighbors to do the same.

With no shoes on their feet or even their car keys, they immediately did so.

My brother (he too with no shoes) then ran back upstairs to retrieve everyone's personal belongings, all while calling dispatch. Unfortunately, from the time that he went downstairs and ran back up, the smoke was too thick. There was no other choice but for him to leave everything behind and evacuate as well.

My big brother is an officer. He usually works his overnight beat, but this night he didn't. Our mother is legally blind and has suffered a stroke. She usually takes her pain medication before bed, leaving her in a deep sleep, but this night she didn't.

We are so thankful for the Most High for covering our family.

We especially are so grateful for the first responders and our neighbors who literally clothed our family as they stood in the middle of the chaos.

This home has been in our family for many generations. To have to stand outside and just watch it go to flames was very disheartening for us. We lost everything.

We are asking our friends, family, and community for any contributions. No amount is too small. These contributions will help with providing us with basic essentials such as housing arrangements, clothes, toiletries, etc.

We thank everyone so much for your help and prayers.

With love,

The Ortiz-Winkey Family