Last night, a fire broke out in my parents’ basement. Half of the basement has been destroyed—floor to ceiling—family living/gathering room along with most of my brother’s belongings.

Most importantly, everyone is safe, and for that we are beyond grateful. But as you can imagine, things are not okay. The damage is overwhelming, and due to some overlooked details, insurance will not be able to cover the loss. My family is now facing this burden on their own.

If you know my mom, Tracey MackieVlietstra, you know she is selfless, compassionate, and kind - without hesitation. And my stepdad, Rick Vlietstra, is a man of his word, always willing to show up and lend a hand.

Now, they are the ones in need.

I’m reaching out in hopes that our community of friends, family, and neighbors can come together to support them during this difficult time. Any help—whether through donations, kind words or sharing this message—means more than we can ever express.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward helping them recover from this devastating loss—replacing essentials, repairing damages, and giving them the stability they need to move forward.

Thank you for lifting them up in a moment when they need it most. ❤️

EMT can also be sent directly to Tracey.

I’d be happy to provide email.