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House Fire Total Loss Fund - Gil & Shirley Brennan

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Last night, as many of you know, my Grandparents’ home caught fire in Lake View New York. Thankfully they were able to make it out in time with only a few marks and the clothes on their backs. It is a battle just trying to fight with medical insurance companies to get medication refilled and getting an emergency supply of insulin as my Grandmother, Shirley, is Diabetic. They have lost all medication, they don't have food for themselves or their dog, or even clothes or shoes.  As grateful as we are that everyone is alive.... an 83 year old man and a 71 year old women will be waking up today with no home, no clothes, no belongings and all sentimental items destroyed.

I researched how long it could take for a payout from the mortgage insurance company and was shocked to find that it can take as long as 2 years to settle (in extreme cases). Depending on the circumstances, lenders may also put the money in an escrow account and pay for the repairs as the work is completed to completely rebuild a home. Leaving them homeless during this process. To get fully reimbursed for damaged items, most insurance companies will require you to purchase replacements - antique items cannot be replaced which is why they generally are not backed by insurance. Antique items made up a majority of their belongings. 

Please don't pay attention to the dollar amount that it says we are looking to raise - I have never done this before and don't really know where to start. I'd be happy with even the smallest amount of help. Red Cross was kind enough to pay for a Hotel for them for 3 nights, and Disaster relief gave them $450 and a few blankets which is more than we could ask for. However, I think we can all guess the cost of a tragedy like this.

A special thank you to the American Red Cross volunteers, to the Fire Fighters, Police Officers, and disaster relief support that came to their aid and tried to salvage what was left of my family's home. We are grateful. And to all future donors - we appreciate your kind gesture and being a part of my family's rebuild. 

As you all know, people from my Grandparents generation don't have every part of their lives stored in a smart phone, they had the real thing. Real photographs, real antique family heirlooms, real memories - in hard copy for when they start to forget. 

I never fully understood just how tragic it really is to lose a lifetime of memories until now when I look at two people who have given me so much, have nothing in the blink of an eye. I never thought I would be creating a GoFundMe account for anything, especially this - but replacing their whole life is something my family and I could use a little help with if you're willing.

The funds will be used to purchase clothes, food and permanent housing. We know nothing could replace what has been lost, but are hoping this gift will give them an encouraging starting point with what they are facing. 

My family and I thank you for your support during this tragedy - today, I am extremely humbled.
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Donations 

  • David Christoph
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Lauren Schemm-Rogers
Organizer
Wanakah, NY
Shirley Brennan
Beneficiary

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