Kayla and Vanessa Kaimimoku's Memorial Fund

On the evening of December 20, 2022, Maggie Gardilcic's apartment caught fire in Downey, California. The explosive fire was so powerful and spread so quickly that Maggie’s daughter, Vanessa, was able to get her 3 children outside to safety. Vanessa’s 4th child, 12-year old Kayla, remained trapped in the bathroom. Without any hesitation, Vanessa bravely raced back into the burning building to save her child. Sadly, both mother and daughter were overcome by smoke and flames and perished in the inferno. Vanessa’s body was found protectively holding her daughter in her arms. Maggie was able to get out of the building but suffered cardiac arrest and severe burns to 15% of her body. She is currently in the intensive care burn

unit. Her journey to recovery will be long and difficult.

Vanessa was my niece. She was a kind soul and a fiercely loving mother to her 4 children: Eric, 20; Rylee, 17; Kayla, 12; and Inessa, 8. Her surviving 3 children are suffering the most unimaginable loss of their mother and sister. They are in a state of severe shock, mourning, and uncertainty. Our family had looked forward to finally spending this holiday together after many pandemic Christmases apart. We are devastated.

We kindly ask for your help in my family’s most desperate time of need. Donations will be used to pay for funeral arrangements for Vanessa and Kayla, ongoing medical expenses for Maggie, and basic living essentials for the surviving children such as blankets, clothing, books, and food. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly. Thank you for your donation.

https://ktla.com/video/mother-daughter-dead-after-apartment-fire-in-downey/8252259/