Life for the Killian-Benigno family is forever changed after a major house fire on March 11, 2025. Joe and Christina woke up to their house filled with smoke so thick that they could not see or breathe. In the frenzy of the fire, they managed to escape with their children, Luca and Rosie, and the clothes on their backs. Despite risking their own lives in repeated attempts, they tragically lost their sweet pup, Stella; while their spunky kitty, Luna, remains very ill in an oxygen chamber at the veterinary ICU. As a result, their house and all their possessions are a total loss.

Christina is a Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Rady Children’s Hospital. She has walked along side many children and their families in their fight against cancer and she tirelessly cares for children with chronic blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia. She is also a formidable force in the Hematology-GYN clinic, where she raises awareness for period poverty and has secured funds from community donors towards this effort.

Joe is a Special Education teacher at Ocean Knoll Elementary School, as a Reading Intervention teacher. His patience and kindness support many young children, who struggle with literacy skills and reading, to promote academic success. This also allows him to be close to their son, Luca and adopted daughter, Rosie, who both have special needs.

Their charity extends beyond their careers. Joe and Christina have served as caretakers for family members who are gravely ill. They have led medical missions to Costa Rica and Haiti. They even find time to coach their children’s baseball teams.

If this happened to any of us, Joe and Christina would go above and beyond for any one of us and our families. Please find it your heart to help the Killian-Beningo family.

All donations will go directly to Christina and Joe and will be put towards the vast expense of restoring/repairing their home, veterinary bills, replacement of daily necessities for themselves, and cost of rent while they rebuild their lives.