Help Anastasia, who lost her home in LA wildfires

I am Allison, a friend of Anastasia—we have known each other for the past 30+ years, meeting at Art College as actresses, then maintaining a creative and uplifting relationship over the years. If you know her like I do, you'll know she is an incredibly independent and brilliant woman, who seems to overcome the most difficult circumstances with solitary grace. She's a role model for any girl trying to build a life of her own means. It took time and work, but she has built a life for herself as an actress, independent contractor, and small business owner. As another solo woman, I respect this...and I also know how near-impossible it can be to ask for help when you are holding everything together alone.

Four years ago, Anastasia invested in her own home, a dream home at the top of the hill in Pacific Palisades. Last week, the wildfires took everything, the home and everything she owned, just as she was grieving the death of her mother who passed just a few months ago. It's a lot to take at once. She is not sure what is next for her; it's a lot to process! For now, she is staying with a friend but will have to find a new place soon. She has no access to the equipment of her in-home reel-editing business that she's built over the last 15 years—or any other of her tools for income. For the time being, she hopes to rent a furnished place, while she, like so many others, figures out the next steps.

I asked Anastasia today if she had a GoFundMe account. She said no, because it felt too weird to start one for herself. I understand this response, as a single woman myself. But even so, she deserves the support that everyone else does. She has lost her home and her livelihood. If you can relate to her story as someone who is too humble (or shocked) to ask friends for extra help, please donate a little. Pay it forward. Anastasia deserves a little lift, especially having to go at it alone.

Thank you for any donation you feel comfortable giving. Much love and appreciation! May it return to you in time of need.