I’m the wife of a former Pasadena City employee whose long-time co-worker is an Altadena fire victim. I realize I’m asking for help for one family out of thousands that lost their homes in the California wildfires. Robert and Robin are the first to say others need it more. But I’m doing this because these decades-long friends of ours literally fled with the clothes on their back and their pets. In the last few years Robert lost his son as well as a long-time mentor and dear friend. Healthwise, things are a struggle. Robert had a pulmonary embolism and is susceptible to recurrence. Robin has diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. Their pharmacy burned to the ground. Their veterinarian office burned to the ground. Their church is gone. Their post office is gone. Robert’s sister, cousin, and their entire neighborhood lost their homes. The heartbreak and disorientation is overwhelming. It’s nearly impossible to imagine all that they face. Their insurance is very bare coverage, and is currently non-responsive. This couple has been retired for years and has barely been able to make ends meet as it was. When everything is rubble it’s hard quantify the overwhelming need. This fundraiser would be used to pay for all the many things that FEMA would be unable to assist with. This is a couple with a heart of gold who are now in the direst of straits. If you can donate, you will be doing far more than allowing them to survive. You will give them hope that they are being held together by folks who are so terribly sorry this has happened. This, more than anything else, will give them the will to face all that is ahead. Thank you so much.