The Gulbransen Family: Rebuilding Again
Donation protected
On November 8th, 2018 the Gulbransen family went through what they thought they would never have to experience again- losing their home and everything in it to the destructive and deadly Camp Fire in Paradise, CA. They woke up to smoke in the distance, and before they knew what was happening, they had to evacuate; taking nothing but their phones and the clothes on their backs. Every baby picture, comfort, and family recipe that was spared from their first fire, gone in an instant.
That first house fire occurred in 2003, 6 days before Christmas (where, once again, they lost everything but the clothes on their backs). Since that horrendous day, the Gulbransens have worked tirelessly, putting every ounce of their love, time, energy, and money into rebuilding their lives and giving Christian whatever happiness they could, in hopes of fulfilling his dreams in life.
Christian is an amazing 25 year old man with Autism. Anyone who has met him knows how wonderful, sweet, funny, and kind he is. After meeting him, you would also know that his one true joy in life comes from the fantasy worlds of film and books. Christian’s absolute dream in life is to own his own bookstore- a sentiment that started when he saw the movie, "You've Got Mail", which continues to be one of his favorites. Christian will tell you when you ask what kind of bookstore he wants, the he wants the one from that movie.
Over the years his parents, Mike and Tina, have spent thousands investing in this dream, buying hundreds of books from his favorite authors (Margaret Wise Brown, Nancy Tafuri, and Phyllis Root being a few of them) and movies that they hoped would one day line the walls of Christian’s Bookstore. Christian’s love of books has lead to his ongoing dedication to reading and learning, volunteering for the last 10 years at the Butte County Library here in Chico. He loves his books and this position so much, that his first concern when learning that their house was gone was that he had overdue library books that he would never be able to return.
He also had a collection of Vans shoes, graphic T's, and sweatshirts with all of his favorite characters, and they brought him so much joy. Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, every one of the Peanuts characters, and Mario are just a few of his favorites. Christian also was blessed to have a collection of materials that helped him grow, learn, and gain new life skills. His parents worked for years to get as many workbooks, games, puzzles, tools, and sensory equipment as they could.
Sadly, all of that is gone. And while losing their home is difficult enough, losing all of the things that kept Christian's life stable and comfortable is an even deeper loss. The things that kept him on the track of progression have all been lost.
This GoFundMe campaign is for all of the friends, family, and loved ones who want to help Christian and his family rebuild- starting with all of Christian's beloved possessions- and all of the games, puzzles, and other materials that have helped him gain all of the skills that he has today. Any and every donation is accepted with deep gratitude as this family starts from scratch one more time.
That first house fire occurred in 2003, 6 days before Christmas (where, once again, they lost everything but the clothes on their backs). Since that horrendous day, the Gulbransens have worked tirelessly, putting every ounce of their love, time, energy, and money into rebuilding their lives and giving Christian whatever happiness they could, in hopes of fulfilling his dreams in life.
Christian is an amazing 25 year old man with Autism. Anyone who has met him knows how wonderful, sweet, funny, and kind he is. After meeting him, you would also know that his one true joy in life comes from the fantasy worlds of film and books. Christian’s absolute dream in life is to own his own bookstore- a sentiment that started when he saw the movie, "You've Got Mail", which continues to be one of his favorites. Christian will tell you when you ask what kind of bookstore he wants, the he wants the one from that movie.
Over the years his parents, Mike and Tina, have spent thousands investing in this dream, buying hundreds of books from his favorite authors (Margaret Wise Brown, Nancy Tafuri, and Phyllis Root being a few of them) and movies that they hoped would one day line the walls of Christian’s Bookstore. Christian’s love of books has lead to his ongoing dedication to reading and learning, volunteering for the last 10 years at the Butte County Library here in Chico. He loves his books and this position so much, that his first concern when learning that their house was gone was that he had overdue library books that he would never be able to return.
He also had a collection of Vans shoes, graphic T's, and sweatshirts with all of his favorite characters, and they brought him so much joy. Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, every one of the Peanuts characters, and Mario are just a few of his favorites. Christian also was blessed to have a collection of materials that helped him grow, learn, and gain new life skills. His parents worked for years to get as many workbooks, games, puzzles, tools, and sensory equipment as they could.
Sadly, all of that is gone. And while losing their home is difficult enough, losing all of the things that kept Christian's life stable and comfortable is an even deeper loss. The things that kept him on the track of progression have all been lost.
This GoFundMe campaign is for all of the friends, family, and loved ones who want to help Christian and his family rebuild- starting with all of Christian's beloved possessions- and all of the games, puzzles, and other materials that have helped him gain all of the skills that he has today. Any and every donation is accepted with deep gratitude as this family starts from scratch one more time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Julia May
Organizer
Chico, CA
Michael Gulbransen
Beneficiary
