Our Happy 4th of July had a horrifying ending. Michelle and her two precious children – her spunky, cheerful, and compassionate 7-year-old daughter (who has such an infectious laugh and smile) and sweet, tenacious, loving 6-year-old son (who is nonverbal, severely autistic, and such a joy) – were the victims of a housefire that was intentionally and criminally started outside under their bedroom windows just before 1 a.m. on July 5th. By the grace of all that is good and right in the universe, Michelle and her children were able to escape before the flames overtook them. Sadly, however, their two beloved cats, Tinkerbell and Snowball, did not survive. The house is a total loss and everything inside the house was destroyed. They have nothing left and are completely displaced. Michelle is now embarking on the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch, while also needing to retain a lawyer to make sure justice is served on the perpetrator. Money for clothes, shoes, food, shelter, toiletries, toys, diapers and other special items for her autistic son, court fees, lawyer fees and expenses, and just basic daily living needs among other things are desperately needed to get them through this tragic and traumatic time.

To know Michelle and her children is to love them. Michelle is a fighter and a survivor and has never given up, no matter what hardships in life she was forced to endure. She is always, and unconditionally, there to help others in their time of need and is so giving of her time and self to make sure others are taken care of. She is a beacon of light and positivity, continually looking for the bright side and the good that surrounds her. Michelle’s strength and resolve through all of this has been nothing short of amazing and inspiring. She needs us now more than ever. If you feel so inclined, please donate. Any amount at all, no matter how small it may seem, will be immensely helpful and greatly appreciated.

It takes a village…