Michelle

My sister and her family had a tragic house fire in October 2025. She lost everything, including 3 of her pets, Furby, Taz (kitty), and Rusty. She was in ICU for 26 days, and her son Richard (39) had 3rd degree burns down his right side from trying to get them out of the fire. Both Wendy and Richard are physically doing well and recovering. I flew down to AZ a week before Thanksgiving (I live outside of Rochester, NY) to help both Wendy and Richard when they were released from the hospital. After finding Wendy a new home and setting her up, I drove Richard from AZ to IL over Thanksgiving and the following weekend to stay with his older sister (he has ADHD and is High Functioning Autism). Richard and I reached IL on 11/30/2025. I made it back home on Monday, 12/01/2025. On Tuesday, 12/02/2025, we received the call. After 30 plus days in the ICU, Wendy lost Howard, her husband of 40+ years, due to a heart attack. At first, she was hoping to rebuild her life in Arizona. There are too many memories, 'ghosts,' and triggering sights. She's wanting to move to Florida where she has friends as well and where it's still warmer weather. Howie didn't have life insurance; I spent my reserves helping her and her son get set back up once they were released from the hospital in November. We are hoping to raise money for Wendy to set up a new home in Florida, more than likely the Melbourne area on the East Coast as that is where we have friends/family. Any assistance would truly be appreciated. Funds would be used for rent/security deposit, moving and travel expenses, and setting up her new home with her rescue, Barbados the Wonder Dog, whom she brought home for New Year's.