Help Marcia Recover from the Loss of Her Home

JUST ADDED: A NOTE OF THANKS FROM MARCIA AND VERONICA:

Hi Everyone,

You are all so incredible. There are not adequate words to express how moved Veronica and I are by the outpouring of support we’ve received. Our lives have been devastated by this fire, but that’s true of so many people here in Los Angeles. The fact that you’ve helped, and that you’ve chosen us to be among the people you’re supporting, is so immensely humbling. Whether we have not spoken in years, or we’ve never met, or you are one of our dearest friends, or have chosen to remain anonymous, you showed up for us. You have made it possible for us to restart our lives. In the process, you have forever changed the way we view the beauty and bigness of the lives we’ve led, the goodness of the people we’ve known, and the importance of paying it forward when we get to the other side of this. Thank you for holding our hands through this ordeal. We are forever grateful and truly changed by the important lesson in humanity that you have taught us.

All our love, Marcia & Veronica

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Dear Friends of Marcia - (see below for a beautiful message from her daughter Veronica who is in France this year)

On Tuesday night, as the winds across Los Angeles reached hurricane force, Marcia was ordered to evacuate her new home in Altadena. She packed a bag, grabbed Trixie and headed to a friend’s house, figuring she’d return the next day.

On Wednesday, in the early hours, Marcia's beautiful house burned to the ground, turning everything she owned to ash. Her entire neighborhood is gone.

Marcia is staying with friends for now. It is an understatement to say she is going to need help in the coming weeks and months. This is a great place to help if you are able!

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FROM VERONICA: "My mom and I lost everything in this fire. Our sweet home is burnt to the ground. There is nothing left, and we do not have the resources to start again. Whatever either of us has to our name now amounts to a suitcase each. There is so much that can never be replaced – the pomegranate and citrus trees that brought us such joy, letters from loved ones we both have saved over the years, photos from our lives and the lives of those that came before us, the piano on which I learned to play, the certainty and safety of a home that is filled with love and warmth. Any and all evidence of the beautiful childhood I got to live are gone. I have no place to come home to. I now spend each minute worrying for my mom and for our little family, for where she will live, how she will live, and whether or when she will know comfort again.

For anyone that is lucky enough to know my mother, you will understand when I say that she is the strongest person I know. She raised me on her own, has provided me with more love and support than I can even explain, and has battled through the past few years of unemployment and immense financial stress with fortitude and grace. She does not ask for help from those around her, and so I am asking on her behalf. I am so sad and so tired that she has to continue being strong.

At a time when I can’t help but feel such profound loss, I am so grateful to know that we indeed have something more: the love and support of many of you. Thank you for anything you can do or give. My heart is with all of Los Angeles. Please hold each other tightly as we grieve our city and community."

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Friends of Marcia

(All funds raised here will be used for unmet needs remaining after all disaster relief has been exhausted).