Lost EVERYTHING in a house fire

Hi, my name is Isabel and my close friend Silvana, (and two of her kids) lost EVERYTHING in a house fire in Forest Hills, Queens on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2023. She has lived at her apartment supporting her two teenage children for several years now, and while her children got out physically unharmed, Silvana has sustained second-degree burns on her hands and face and is currently recovering at Weill Cornell in Manhattan.

As I said, everything inside their home was ruined.

Silvana moved here from Brazil a lifetime ago and raised her five children here in NYC. She has worked hard to put food on the table and a roof over their heads, and it hasn't been easy. Her sons are grown and have their own independent lives but Silvana and her two youngest, Kaila and Sam have been making a life together in Forest Hills... and the truth is, they have been living check to check the entire time.

Their cat, Secret, has a temporary home with friends (and a dog) but is stressed too.

This loss is devastating emotionally, psychologically and of course financially.

Silvana has been a good friend to me. My kids love her. I love her.

I am asking that you find it in your hearts to please contribute so that we can get them to a financial place of stability for a few months. The funds would go toward putting down a deposit, first and last month's rent (which here in NYC is anywhere in the $6000-8000 range), and money to buy furniture, clothing, kitchenware, all of the essentials and basic comforts and money to help with this time away from work.

It is not clear yet when she will be leaving the hospital so when she will be able to get back to work is unclear at this point.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping this family in such a dark time.

❤️