Fire Aid for Heather, Ryder, Winnie & Maisie

When the Pacific Palisades Fire started on 1/7/25, my dearest friend Heather sent me a video of the smoke in the distance. I could hear her four-year-old daughter Winnie in the background asking if she could take her shoes off, but Heather and her husband Ryder said no, they were going to leave soon. This was the last video they would take from their apartment in the Pacific Palisades. Later that morning, along with Winnie’s one-year-old sister Maisie and their two cats, they were on the road headed to Eagle Rock to stay at a friend’s. Less than four hours later, the Eaton Fire started and they soon lost power. The next morning as the fire got closer, they evacuated for a second time.

We have been with Heather, Ryder, Winnie and Maisie since 1/8/25 as they receive news from their decimated neighborhood. We were together when they learned that Winnie’s school was gone. The park, the grocery store, the library, everything Winnie has ever known as home no longer exists. On top of processing their own loss, figuring out how to explain to their daughter that their home, and everything in it is gone, is impossible to wrap your head around. Their one-year-old may not know what is going on, but she naturally feels the emotional toll that surrounds her.

Heather and I have been friends for twenty years and she, Ryder, Winnie and Maisie are our family. We missed them when they moved to the west side for Ryder’s job, but always found time to get together. The commute is easy when you’re with people you love. Some of my favorite memories are sitting in their living room sharing meals after their babies were first born. Their home was full of love and mementos from their lives. Ryder’s record collection lined the living room wall and he’d inevitably play something fun on his guitar or piano for the kids to enjoy. Their home was joyful.

I am reaching out to you in the hopes that if you are able, you will support Heather, Ryder, Winnie and Maisie, and contribute what you can towards their rebuilding. From temporary to long term housing, basic necessities, replacing lost belongings and trying to create a sense of familiarity and comfort for their daughters, the financial burden is overwhelming. We cannot replace the loss, but we can try to make their path a little easier. Any and all support is greatly appreciated.

Here’s how your generosity can help:

Temporary Housing: Providing a safe and stable place for Heather, Ryder, Winnie and Maisie to live while they search for a permanent home.

Essential Items: Replacing clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other necessities lost in the fire.

Household Goods: Furnishing their new home with beds, furniture, kitchenware, and other household items.

Children's Supplies: They will need to replace Winnie and Maisie cherished toys and books so they can have some comfort as they try to process the loss of their home and school. Maisie will need baby supplies as all of Winnie's hand-me-downs are no longer available to her.

Emotional Support and Healing: Covering potential costs associated with counseling or other support services to help them cope with the trauma.

We know that times are tough for so many, but even a small contribution can make a significant impact. Please consider donating what you can to help Heather, Ryder, Winnie and Maisie get back on their feet.

With love and gratitude from the bottom of my heart,

Mary Rohlich