TIA, amputation, cats killed in home fire, stroke and death.

Tragedy has struck us in 2024 repeatedly!

Jan. '24 - Minor stroke

Apr. - left leg partially amputated

Aug. - house caught on fire where all 6 of our cats were killed from smoke inhalation, also leaving us homeless

Nov. - Carter has a massive stroke

Jan. '25, Carter passed away.

Will you please help ease these burdens and help me bring him home?

Here is Carter and Tish's story:

On August 18, 2024, my Wife, Tish and I had the worst night of our lives. We were visiting my mother, and when we returned, we saw our house had caught fire from a burner accidentally turning on somehow while we were gone and igniting a box nearby causing a total loss in the kitchen and the rest of the house unlivable due to soot and asbestos that left nothing uncovered. The kitchen is a total loss. But, the biggest loss was that of our six beloved cats, ranging in age from 18 to 2 years. They all perished from smoke inhalation. The sight of the firemen carrying out their limp bodies one by one will haunt us forever.

In addition to this tragedy, Carter had a TIA stroke in January, and in April he had his left leg amputated requiring a 2 month-long stay in the hospital and, now...due to family stressors, Carter had a massive stroke, which has left him in ICU.

These issues, as you can imagine, zapped a lot of money, and severely limited his earning potential. Thus, as much as we loathe having to ask for help from anyone, we humble ourselves and are asking for help. Until we get the house livable again by gutting and replacing the kitchen and getting the extensive smoke and soot damage repaired, we are experiencing homelessness. Our savings has been depleted. I have the company lined up and ready to clean, but, need the funding to pay them a down payment and after that, we can move back home and stop paying $2,000/ month to a super 8 motel. I am by myself with our dog that I pulled from the fire. We are SO close to having our home back, but, not without your help! All restoration estimates are approx. $75,000 and then we can be back in the home within a month! Rehabilitation will not let me bring him home until the house is in working condition.

Donations can be made here or sent to our P.O. Box:

Please address to:

S. Albert

P.O. Box 3036

Peoria, IL 61612

Link -6 cats perished from smoke inhalation - NEWS

Local NEWS follow-up

I'm sure some of you are wondering why homeowners insurance isn't covering this. Sadly, due to his medical issues and inability to work, we couldn't pay the home OR health insurance premium. They lapsed 6 days before the fire.

In the interests of transparency and upon request, we will be keeping records of where we spend any money from all donations. If we have any left over after we get our house fixed, we will return it, pro rata to those who donated. I feel it is very important for us to show we are using this money responsibly and not for fun or wasteful things.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any contribution you make.

-John Carter & Tish (Albert) Canterbury

Left to right / top to bottom:

Mabel - age 6

Lily - age 2 (1 of 3 siblings)

Bruce - age 2 (2 of 3 siblings)

Boop - age 5

Marie - age 18

Seymour - age 2 (3 of 3 siblings)