Support Sam's Grandparents After LA Wildfire Loss

Yesterday, on January 7, 2025, the world-breaking news story about the wildfires in Los Angeles, California, became very personal.

My name is Sam Castro. I'm now 21 years old and in college in North Carolina, but prior to this, I lived my whole life alongside my family and grandparents in LA. Upon my departure for college, my parents retires and moved away from California as well. However, my grandparents stayed, loving the weather and location of their home.

Having lived in this home in the Pacific Palisades since the 1990s, remodeling it to become their dream, and watching their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren play and grow - the news today that this home will now only exist in my memory is devastating.

Having grown up only 15 minutes away from them, this house was my weekend special. Gathering around their dining room table, looking out over the valley and at the mountains across the way while we ate brunch; watching the grandchildren run around outside playing in the grass; or sleeping over with my cousin while we built forts in the living room. I will cherish this house and all of its memories - these are priceless.

Today I am asking for donations -- any amount is appreciated. My grandparents have helped, supported, and encouraged me in so many ways. I hope to be able to help them through this terrible time in any way I can. By starting this GoFundMe effort, my goal is to raise funds and surprise them with your donations. I love my grandparents more than anything; the thought alone that they are safe warms my heart. I hope to warm theirs by giving them whatever financial help they need to get through this devastating situation. They were only able to pack a few personal items, so unfortunately, this meant leaving behind a majority of their possessions. While your donations are not meant to replace the lost memories built over the last 30 years in our family home, they can still help my dear grandparents at this time. My family and I are grateful for any amount of money that can be raised to support them!! Thank you!!