Montecito Mudslide Family Help
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It’s hard to ask for help, but we’ve found ourselves in a situation where every little bit counts. We’re the Lechuga's: Jim, Jennifer, Joey, and Jeffery. We live in Montecito, California.
In 2016 Jennifer was diagnosed with a lymphoma cancer that is currently incurable. She’s in a clinical trial at MD Anderson in Houston, and through their wonderful treatment and God’s help, it’s had very encouraging results, However, she has to fly to Houston every month for treatment. In addition, because of her treatments and the disease she hasn’t been able to return to work full-time.
Then came the Thomas fire, the largest fire in California history. We had to evacuate from our house for several weeks as the fire threatened our community, just before Christmas.
Right after getting back home from the Thomas fire and getting the boys back to school, for one week, we had to evacuate again due to heavy rainfall and mudslides. You may have heard of the devastating Montecito mudslides that destroyed hundreds of homes, businesses and claimed the lives of 20 people. We still cannot go home because of under evacuation status and even when we do get home, we will have the task of clearing mud and debris from the rental property to salvage all that we can. We have been staying at hotels, family and friends since the initial evacuation.
So, while we’re very grateful for our safety, the kindness and generosity of family and friends, we’re also uncomfortable asking for help, but we would really appreciate it. Time away from work, added expenses and with Jen’s monthly travel and treatment in Houston, and now, literally experiencing being “homeless” with the daunting task of trying to pay all the bills, we realize the cost are way greater than we’re able to afford, as we were living on credit cards even before this happened. Each monthly travel expense to Houston is approximately $800.00 per month to make Jennifer's treatment happen, this is not even counting the medical cost but right now our main goal is to make sure she makes it to treatment monthly. Now all those credit cards are maxed because of all the extra living expenses that have been added from all these disasters . We need help.
We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers and support by family and dear friends — we couldn’t make it without you! Thank you!
Love, the Lechuga’s
In 2016 Jennifer was diagnosed with a lymphoma cancer that is currently incurable. She’s in a clinical trial at MD Anderson in Houston, and through their wonderful treatment and God’s help, it’s had very encouraging results, However, she has to fly to Houston every month for treatment. In addition, because of her treatments and the disease she hasn’t been able to return to work full-time.
Then came the Thomas fire, the largest fire in California history. We had to evacuate from our house for several weeks as the fire threatened our community, just before Christmas.
Right after getting back home from the Thomas fire and getting the boys back to school, for one week, we had to evacuate again due to heavy rainfall and mudslides. You may have heard of the devastating Montecito mudslides that destroyed hundreds of homes, businesses and claimed the lives of 20 people. We still cannot go home because of under evacuation status and even when we do get home, we will have the task of clearing mud and debris from the rental property to salvage all that we can. We have been staying at hotels, family and friends since the initial evacuation.
So, while we’re very grateful for our safety, the kindness and generosity of family and friends, we’re also uncomfortable asking for help, but we would really appreciate it. Time away from work, added expenses and with Jen’s monthly travel and treatment in Houston, and now, literally experiencing being “homeless” with the daunting task of trying to pay all the bills, we realize the cost are way greater than we’re able to afford, as we were living on credit cards even before this happened. Each monthly travel expense to Houston is approximately $800.00 per month to make Jennifer's treatment happen, this is not even counting the medical cost but right now our main goal is to make sure she makes it to treatment monthly. Now all those credit cards are maxed because of all the extra living expenses that have been added from all these disasters . We need help.
We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers and support by family and dear friends — we couldn’t make it without you! Thank you!
Love, the Lechuga’s
Organizer
JENNIFER LECHUGA
Organizer
Santa Barbara, CA
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