On the evening of August 23rd, the Pellegrino/LaChat family received an alarming phone call. Their home had caught fire. In moments, they lost everything. Their clothing, furniture, keepsakes and family photos have been damaged beyond saving and they are devastated by the loss of their beloved dogs, Blu and Lucy.

My name is Briana Pellegrino and I am raising funds for my Aunt, Joey Pellegrino LaChat, her husband Joe LaChat, and my cousins David (Marissa, Dominic (4), & Lorenzo(7m), Gloria and Gaetano (Guy) who shared this home together. Our family is both immensely grateful they weren’t harmed, but deeply saddened for the loss of Blu and Lucy.

For those of you who may not be familiar with their situation, in their day to day life my Aunt helps to raise and take care of her 3 beautiful grandchildren, Joe is an exceptional barber, owning and operating his small business, LaChat’s Barber Shop, my cousins David and Gloria work full time at their respective jobs, while Marissa is a busy mom and accomplished cosmetologist providing bridal and hair services through her small business Marissa N Beauty. Guy is currently entering the eigth grade. They are hardworking, loving and giving. As the matriarch, my Aunt is one of the most selfless humans I have the extreme honor to know. She is always there with an ear to listen, to share the spoils of her beautiful garden with a neighbor or to give her very last dollar to a stranger in need. She has raised four wonderfully kind and accepting children and created a beautiful blended life with her husband, Joe. Family is the foundation from which they garner their strength and home was where they came together. The entire family must now face the challenge of starting over.

As they navigate this difficult time, our goal is to ease their burden and show them they are not alone in this trial. While their memories will remain, they must begin the long road of rebuilding their future. Any contribution will make a meaningful difference as they work to recover from their loss. Donations will help provide relief as they manage securing temporary housing and replacing clothing and essentials.

The loss of home, belongings and beloved pets is an overwhelming burden to bear, but the family is profoundly moved and deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers they have received and would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the EH Fire Department and surrounding towns who helped, EH Animal Control and their amazing neighbors as well as any donors who will contribute to helping them get back on their feet.

I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks for your time in reading their story. Any donation, or simply passing their story on, would mean the world to our family.

With love and gratitude,

Briana