Our dear friends, Shu-min Zhen and John Battle, have tragically lost everything in the Eaton Fire in Altadena this past week. Their home at 2620 Dove Creek Lane, which they cherished for 21 years, was destroyed. When they evacuated on Tuesday evening (January 7, 2025), they hoped to return for their valuables, but the fire left nothing behind.

While they are deeply grateful to be safe with their 7-year-old bird, Lucky, and in the company of their neighbors, they now face the monumental task of rebuilding their lives. Many irreplaceable treasures are gone, and unfortunately, insurance will only cover a fraction of their losses, if at all.

Shu-min has dedicated over two decades to being a cardiology nurse practitioner in Pasadena. John, a former JPL and Caltech engineer, has called Pasadena home for over 45 years. They are pillars of their community—always ready to help others before asking for help themselves.

Now, they need our support. It’s a challenging time for many, but any assistance you can provide would mean the world to them.

Thank you for standing with Shu-min and John during this incredibly difficult time. Your generosity and compassion will help them take the first steps on the long road to recovery.