Life After Fire
Donation protected
Our sister (Stephanie Baer) and two nieces (Julia and Jaden Crawley) lost their home and all possessions in the tragic Marshall Fire that destroyed much of Superior, Co. Their home and neighborhood was burned to the ground on 12/30/21, leaving them heart broken and devastated, along with hundreds of other families. As the fire raged quickly due to extreme winds, they had to leave swiftly, saving their dogs and leaving with only the clothes on their backs. Please consider donating to help them rebuild their lives and navigate the financial hardship, stress, and trauma that has endured. Much love and hope to all those who lost their homes and lives changed forever.
[Pictured on top, the first visit back to the devastation. Pictured on bottom (L-R) myself with our nieces and sister in happier times this past fall.]
Thank you for all the love and support for our family.
-Kate & Michael Baer
Thank you for all the love and support for our family.
-Kate & Michael Baer
UPDATE BELOW:
I had the honor to fly out to Colorado to be with Stephanie and the girls for a week as they navigate this tragedy. Being there in person allowed me to see the depth and complexity of the pain, loss, grief and logistical nightmare all entangled in losing one's home. Going to the site was horrific, as Stephanie shared "worst day of her life". The site, formerly a vibrant and beautiful neighborhood full of love and life was apocalyptic, haunting, and it's hard to put into words how awful, surreal, and absolutely heartbreaking. Stephanie is overwhelmed by the love and gratitude all of you have shown, it is that love and support that is keeping her and the girls going and so many families. I am so grateful for the generosity and love shown for my family. Recovering from a traumatic event as such will take much time, love, and continued support in the days, weeks, and years ahead.
Videos from the wreckage:
https://youtu.be/UE_72_y2bI8
https://youtu.be/8fhXvSNOXqc
Stephanie and the girls finally found a rental house in Boulder, after staying with cousins, friends, and in a hotel.
First visit back, just heartbreaking.
Sitting in hazmat suits, sifting through layers of the house and ash to find memories of life before the fire.
Julia's car and a favorite tree of the family.
I had the honor to fly out to Colorado to be with Stephanie and the girls for a week as they navigate this tragedy. Being there in person allowed me to see the depth and complexity of the pain, loss, grief and logistical nightmare all entangled in losing one's home. Going to the site was horrific, as Stephanie shared "worst day of her life". The site, formerly a vibrant and beautiful neighborhood full of love and life was apocalyptic, haunting, and it's hard to put into words how awful, surreal, and absolutely heartbreaking. Stephanie is overwhelmed by the love and gratitude all of you have shown, it is that love and support that is keeping her and the girls going and so many families. I am so grateful for the generosity and love shown for my family. Recovering from a traumatic event as such will take much time, love, and continued support in the days, weeks, and years ahead.
Videos from the wreckage:
https://youtu.be/UE_72_y2bI8
https://youtu.be/8fhXvSNOXqc
Stephanie and the girls finally found a rental house in Boulder, after staying with cousins, friends, and in a hotel.
First visit back, just heartbreaking.
Sitting in hazmat suits, sifting through layers of the house and ash to find memories of life before the fire.
Julia's car and a favorite tree of the family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kate Susan Baer
Organizer
Elkhart Lake, WI
Stephanie Baer
Beneficiary
