Hello everyone, this is Samten's sister Suzanne writing. As many of you already know on October 24th in the early morning a fire broke out in Samten's building. She escaped with only her phone, purse and the clothing on her back. Sadly, the whole building has been destroyed and it is apparent that Samten has lost everything she owned including her beloved cat "The Bella Monster".

Despite these setbacks Samten is celebrating 13 years sobriety this week and our parents have just arrived to visit. This trip has pivoted from celebration to support. The universe has also provided and it looks like Samten may have a place to move into as early as in this week.

Samten is currently attending the University of Victoria and has been working towards a degree in Psychology and Gender Studies with a minor in Music. She has pivoted from music academically but music is still very much a part of who she is. In the fire along with all of her electronics she lost her baritone sax, alto sax, clarinets and a flute.

We are reaching out to our community for financial help so that Samten can re build her home and continue her school year. While we can not bring back her sweet baby The Bella Monster, perhaps we can help replace one or two of her other babies (instruments). In her life Samten has overcome so much, if you can, please help her overcome this as well.