Support Janet Larson After the Palisades Fire

Hello, everyone; we’re reaching out on behalf of our mother, Janet Larson, who recently lost her home in the devastating Palisades fire. If you know our mom, you know she’s one of the most selfless, loving, and hard-working people out there. She has lived in the Pacific Palisades since she was a little girl, and her roots in this community run deep.

Our mom discovered her passion for caring for others at an early age. She went on to become a beloved kindergarten and first-grade teacher at Calvary Christian School—a job she loved so much that she continued working as a substitute long after retirement. She recently began working again full-time. Whether it’s teaching swim lessons, babysitting her grandkids, or helping students after school, my mom always puts the needs of others first.

On the day of the fire, our mom was at work when the evacuation started. She and the other teachers and staff made sure every child got safely to their families. In the rush to keep everyone safe, she had no chance to return home or grab any belongings. Her home and much of her close-knit community were lost.

She’s currently staying with some friends and has been unable to retrieve her car, purse, or phone from her workplace yet. She’s using a temporary phone to keep in touch, but she hasn’t had the chance to see the outpouring of support from her Facebook friends and family.

Our mother has always been the rock of our family. She’s a proud mom of two and a devoted grandmother to five grandkids who adore her. From organizing birthday parties to helping out at school events and church, she’s the first to volunteer and the last to leave. She has spent her entire life serving her community.

We have set up this GoFundMe to help Mom rebuild her life. The funds will go toward finding permanent housing, replacing her day-to-day necessities, and helping ease the stress of starting over.

If you’re able to contribute financially, please know your generosity will directly help a woman who has dedicated her life to serving others. If donating isn’t possible, your kind words, prayers, and encouragement mean more than you can imagine. When our mom finally gets her phone back and sees the love and support from all of you—her friends, family, former students, and neighbors—I know it will lift her spirits and help her find hope in this difficult time.

Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers, and gestures. It already means the world to us to see the outpouring of love for the woman who has given so much to so many.

With gratitude,

Brittany Amandus and Robert Larson