Yesterday our Grafton neighbors Gail and Gary Herschel suffered a devastating and total loss of their home due to a fast-burning fire that was exacerbating by high winds. All of the humans, including Gram (Marge), are accounted for. Gary was badly burned over 20-30% (guestimate) of his body and was airlifted to a hospital in Boston. He is in a medically induced coma while medical personnel work to tend his injuries. Gram was mercifully more fortunate and spared extensive burns, but still has some healing to do. Gail meanwhile returned home from work quickly to find her family members injured and home destroyed. Tragically, we learned later that the family’s beloved dogs and cat perished in the fire. Gary and Gail are longtime, now retired, breeders of AKC English Springer Spaniels and also provided boarding services for many of their extensive fur family members. Their fur family members will be very much missed. Please join us in praying for the family, especially for Gary during what will be a long healing process.

All personal possessions are a total loss. Local fire departments, the Red Cross, local Lions groups, churches, and neighbors are all working to help fill varying needs, but there are always unexpected and immediate emergency expenses associated with fire losses. Proceeds from this GoFundMe will go toward immediate and eventually longterm needs like basic clothing, sleepwear, undergarments, footwear, toiletries, medications, fuel to travel to medical appointments and other medical expenses, food, and more. No gift is too small or too large. We appreciate your consideration and assistance.