Restore Normalcy to the Chakwin Family after the Eaton Fire

Hey, my name is Devan Mulvaney. I'm lucky enough to be a long time best friend of Nick Chakwin. We both live in Los Angeles. I've created this GoFundMe for him, his wife and my godson who are in need of help. Nick and Katie Chakwin, their son Viggo, along with their two cats Wolfgang, Ziggy and dog Vinny, all had to evacuate their home in Pasadena (in close proximity to Altadena) because of the Eaton Fire. During the chaos of the evacuation, they grabbed a small amount of essentials as they thought they'd return home soon.

Now, after much uncertainty, they've learned that although their place survived the fire, it suffered extensive smoke damage. Multiple scientists have confirmed that the toxic ash that has wafted into their home, from the multiple burned-down structures nearby, has made the air inside and outside their home unsafe to breathe. Moving back to the place they've called home for 5 years no longer feels like an option, especially with a young child. Displaced, with a sense that the majority of their possessions are unsalvageable, they are in need of help to weather this storm and rebuild their lives.

Though they are strong and resilient, this experience has been incredibly distressing. With my own life-altering experience, I know that it is not a stretch to say that what they are going through is traumatic. Trauma results from sudden events beyond our control that flip our lives upside down. To me, losing their Pasadena community, support network, Viggo's preschool, favorite playgrounds, neighborhood, home, and sense of normalcy, fits this definition.

I ask that you please help lessen this heavy load they've been burdened with. Navigating all of this would be difficult for anyone. With the uncertainty of what their future looks like, moving through this difficult chapter while looking after their son and 3 pets makes this all the more daunting.

Your support matters! Nick and Katie are some of the most generous, kind, loving people I've been lucky enough to call my friends. They would never be the ones to ask for this help on their own, which is why I'm asking for them. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly to helping them get back on their feet. Your donation will go towards an expensive home clean up, moving expenses, life essentials, replacing unsalvageable furniture and clothing, paying off debt they've incurred from this disaster, and their future rental home. If you're unable to donate, sharing their story is another wonderful way to show your support.

On behalf of the Chakwin family and myself, thank you so much for making a donation.