Robin and Nick Fire Devastation

THE STORY
On Monday, September 7, my son Nick Warner and his girlfriend Robin Hamlin were  THANKFULLY awakened by an emergency “GO NOW” text advising them to evacuate their home swiftly after the Santiam Canyon forest fire in Marion County, OR exploded into an inferno due to extremely dry conditions and unprecedented high winds, igniting downed power lines throughout the canyon.  They quickly grabbed Jack, Nick’s elderly and beloved dog, the vehicle keys, and left their home with only the clothes on their backs and what they could quickly grab on their way out,  leaving their entire life possessions behind. As the left their home the air was thick with smoke and the sky was a  bright red glow.  They heard multiple explosions and trees snapping as they frantically and fearfully maneuvered over and around downed trees, through the neighbor’s yard and a broken fence to escape the fire and locate the main road leading them to safety.  The scene was horrific and unbelievable.  

On Tuesday, as they clung to the news coverage, watched the sun try to peek through the dark cloud of smoke that hovered over the city of Salem, and watched ash fall from the sky like snow, they feared the worst for the quiet and peaceful little rental by the Santiam River that they called home.

On Wednesday they received the devastating news that the house is GONE. The entire contents of their home is GONE. Their photographs, all of their cherished possessions just GONE!

Also on Wednesday, Nick received the long awaited call that his first surgery, a hip replacement, has been scheduled for early October.  He has quietly and bravely suffered for years with chronic and debilitating arthritis, likely related to the Lyme disease he was diagnosed with several years earlier, and more recently he has been having seizures, the cause of which the medical professionals are still trying to diagnose.

Nick and Robin were plugging along and remaining admirably positive despite Nick’s medical issues and his temporary inability to work, and Robin being furloughed from her employment due to the pandemic.

These two young adults have had more than their share of challenges. The magnitude of their loss is devastating and the challenges ahead of them are staggering. This mother’s heart breaks and aches for them as I ask for your kindness and assistance.

THE COSTS
It is difficult to estimate the cost of replacing the contents of a home and the anticipated out of pocket medical expenses facing Nick for his upcoming surgeries, but a rough guess is $30,000.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?
You can offer to lend a hand if you are near Nick and Robin physically.  If you are near or far, you can provide them with emotional or spiritual support. If you have the ability to help monetarily with their relocation costs and Nick’s medical expenses as they struggle to get back on their feet, no donation is too small and every penny is greatly appreciated.  

❤️