Support Donna Laing Blaes after devastating house fire

On September 22, 2024, my sister-in-law Donna Laing Blaes lost her home of 26 years to a devastating fire. My nephew Michael was able to guide his mother through the flames and get to safety. They helplessly watched the fire consume their home, as they were comforted by their caring neighbors. Four fire departments responded to the call.

Everything was lost to the flames, leaving them with just the pajamas they had on. Sadly their dog Jasper and three cats, Buck, Blink, and Kidacat perished in the fire. Michael was brought to St. Barnabas for second degree burns on his hands and feet and was released hours later. Both Donna and Michael stayed with us for the next five days until temporary housing was arranged for them.

Donna was raised in West Orange, attending West Orange Mountain High School, class of '74. Her husband Kenneth was a life long resident of Scotch Plains, graduating SPFHS in '76. After their marriage, they settled in Fanwood and then Scotch Plains to raise their sons. Michael graduated in '07 and Joseph in '08. Sadly, Donna lost her loving husband to cancer in 2010.

Donna's son Joseph, active duty US Navy, was deployed to the Middle East at the time of the fire. To her relief, he arrived stateside on Sunday September 28, 2024. In the midst of dealing with the fire, this was a ray of hope for our family; Joseph and his unit are safely home after a 6 month deployment.

Thank you in advance for any donations, shares, thoughts and prayers. The Blaes family has been in Scotch Plains for over 66 years and this will enable them to remain in the community they love.

Respectfully,

Janet Blaes

Sister-in-law