Dear Friends and Kindhearted Supporters,

Yesterday morning, I woke up struggling to breathe as an asthma attack overtook me, triggered by the poor air quality caused by the wildfires raging near the Hollywood Hills. Out of an abundance of caution, my mom, our four beloved pets, and I made the difficult decision to evacuate to Orange County.

Last night, we watched with heavy hearts as our neighborhood was placed under mandatory evacuation due to the relentless Runyon Canyon fires. For my family, this is more than just a temporary displacement—it’s a moment of profound uncertainty.

As many of you know, my mom and I both face ongoing health challenges. I live with leukemia, and my mom is navigating her battle with ovarian cancer. Between my small monthly Social Security disability check and her work as a government clerk, our finances are already stretched to their limits. This unexpected evacuation and the additional costs for transportation, lodging, and daily necessities have placed an overwhelming burden on our already fragile budget.

We are reaching out with humility and hope, asking for your support during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter the size, would make a world of difference in helping us cover these unforeseen expenses and ensuring we can continue to manage our daily needs, including rent and bills.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for considering lending a helping hand. Your generosity means more to us than words can express.

With gratitude and love,

Steven Martin