Wildfire Recovery: Help the Portaro Family

After the Eaton Canyon Wildfire: A Family’s Journey Forward

Hello, my name is Nicholas, and I’m writing this on behalf of my family—my parents, John and Deena, my brother Aaron, and myself. On January 7th, 2025, our lives were forever changed when the Eaton Canyon Wildfire swept through Altadena and destroyed our home, the place where we’ve lived and made memories for the past 25 years.

Our home wasn’t just a house. It was a cornerstone of our lives—a space filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. My parents worked tirelessly to make it a warm and welcoming place, not just for us but for anyone who crossed our threshold. If you’ve ever visited or stayed with us, you know how much care they put into creating a space where everyone felt at home.

Now, all of that is gone. The fire moved with devastating speed, leaving us with little time to save anything. While we are incredibly grateful to be safe, we’re now faced with the overwhelming reality of starting over from scratch.

As a family, we are strong, but the road ahead is long and challenging. We’re reaching out to our community, friends, and loved ones for help during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Your generosity will assist us with security and replacing essential belongings.

We’ve already been deeply moved by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support we’ve received from friends and neighbors. It’s a reminder of the power of community and kindness, even in the darkest moments. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for considering helping us through this journey.

With endless gratitude,

Nicholas, on behalf of John, Deena, and Aaron

(We’ll keep this page updated with our progress and share how your support is helping us move forward.)