Help Mother, Daughter, & 90-Yr-Old Recover After CA Wildfire

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-hearted Strangers,

Our world was turned upside down on January 8th, 2025, when the Eaton fires ravaged Altadena, CA. In the blink of an eye, our beloved home, cherished memories, and everything we worked so hard for were consumed by flames. After surviving the 1993 fires, we never imagined something like this would happen again, but the 91-100 mph winds came unexpectedly, spreading the fire faster than we could have ever prepared for.

In the chaos, my first priority was to get my family, especially my 90-year-old Aunt Orna, out of the house safely—with her life-sustaining oxygen tanks. But in the frenzy, we were forced to leave behind everything that meant so much to us—our precious family photos, keepsakes, and even the urns of loved ones who have passed. The grief is overwhelming, but we are thankful that, by some miracle, everyone made it out alive.

Our home was more than just a place to live. It was a sanctuary, a safe haven where we welcomed neighbors, friends, and even strangers, offering them a place of peace in times of need. It was the home where I cared for my mother until she passed from an environmental (non-smoker) lung cancer, and where I also cared for my father through his battle with Alzheimer’s.

For my daughter Kesia, this was the only home she has ever known. It was also the home of her father, who has since passed. Aunt Orna has lived with us for the past 25 years. In 2019, her health began to decline with a series of strokes, followed by pulmonary fibrosis and, most recently, a dementia diagnosis. The aftermath of the fires has only worsened her confusion and fear, as she is displaced and struggling to comprehend the drastic change in her life.

The heartbreak doesn’t stop there—our dog Bella, who was a beloved member of our family, passed away unexpectedly. Our remaining pet, Walnut the cat, has been terrified since we narrowly escaped the fire. It feels like we’ve lost everything, yet the greatest loss is the sense of stability and home that we all cherished.

For 14 years, I dedicated myself to remodeling our home, pouring love into every corner, from the walls to the garden. I also invested in equipment for a non-profit mental health project that I hoped would make a difference. Now, it’s all gone, reduced to ashes. Despite the immense loss, we are deeply grateful that we are safe and together. But starting over from scratch is a monumental challenge.

My daughter Kesia has created this GoFundMe campaign to help us navigate the difficult road ahead, covering essential living expenses and, hopefully, aiding in the process of rebuilding our lives. Every single donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference as we begin this long journey.

We understand that these are difficult times for everyone, so if you are unable to donate, simply sharing this message would mean the world to us. Your support, in any form, truly matters more than words can express.

Thank you for your love, kindness, and generosity during this heartbreaking chapter of our lives.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Aria, Kesia, and Orna ♥️