Imagine, during a time when we are forced to isolate and quarantine ourselves and the very things that bring us security, safety, and peace of mind amid the pandemic are completely destroyed. My parents, Tom & Paula, of Lyons, IL., lost a significant symbolic portion of their security, safety, and peace this past weekend; their home was totally destroyed by a fire on April 7th at 12:30 am. We are extremely fortunate they were not physically harmed, but the emotional pain of losing their home, ALL of their belongings, ALL of the essentials they bought to stay safe and isolated during this pandemic, and the more than 35 years’ worth of memories that went with it is beyond imaginable.

For those of you who know my parents, know that they are genuinely honest, kind, and selfless people who give of themselves to others and appreciate the simple things in life. My dad is a proud Vietnam veteran who worked hard his whole life on the factory line of US Smokeless Tobacco Company. He is a member of the American Legion, Lyons’ Mustangs, and the VFW. Many of you know him as a happy-go-lucky social guy, who often goes out of his way to help others. My mom has been a faithful member of St. Hugh Parish for over 50 years and enjoyed working as a switchboard operator at JCPenney for over 15 years before she was laid off in the age of technology when positions like hers started to disappear.

Many of you also know the tremendous challenges my parents have endured over the past few years with circumstances concerning family and health, including my mom's battle with breast cancer and the recent emergency surgery that was prompted by side effects of breast cancer treatments and the financial burden this has brought on.

Tom and Paula have lived in their house on Joliet Ave in Lyons for over 35 years. They are now both retired, having worked paycheck to paycheck their whole life to supply our family with the safety, security, and peace found within our home. I grew up in this home, along with my two brothers. All of our childhood memories, pictures, and cherished sentimental possessions have been destroyed. Tom and Paula luckily have home insurance, but there are so many immediate expenses they need to incur between now and when they will be able to access their insurance settlement, including the need to pay for utilities and food (both not covered by insurance) and their continued health bills despite all the disruption. Everything my parents have worked and saved for has been destroyed in the middle of a pandemic.

The current pandemic adds several layers of complexity to the conventional ways of being able to support and help someone with immediate needs. Many people have asked how they can help and show support to my parents aside from praying daily and some have been able to drop off care packages, but many are simply unable to do so because of the risks associated with the virus. Not only are Tom and Paula at a higher risk and more vulnerable with age and compromised immune systems, but they are also taking temporary shelter with my 95-year-old grandmother who has advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. This situation places their son Jared and his family, who are live-in caregivers for my grandmother, at greater exposure and risk.

This campaign is intended to let Tom and Paula know they are not alone and to provide a way for friends, family, and others to help by safely reaching out with messages of love, support, friendship, donations, pictures, videos, and by sharing this campaign! Additionally, many of you know my dad wears his Vietnam hat, pins, and t-shirts daily; however, he lost everything. If there are any veteran friends and family out there, I know it would be very meaningful to share some memories and support.