Help Eliany & her Mom Survive Devastating Fire
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In the early hours of January 15th, at 3:23 AM, tragedy struck when a fire broke out in Eliany’s apartment building. The flames spread quickly, and Eliany was woken up by her mom's urgent call: “There’s a fire!”
Her first instinct wasn’t about possessions or even escaping—it was: “Where are the cats?”
Chaos followed as they desperately searched for their beloved pets, grabbing bedsheets to wrap them in and using a shirt as a makeshift mask to breathe through the thick smoke. Despite the unbearable heat and suffocating conditions, Eliany refused to leave without Sissy, one of the cats who was still missing.
A former firefighter, Mike Manzo, intervened, warning her that the fire was spreading to the center of the building and that she wouldn’t make it if she stayed. Moments later, her mom and brother attempted to escape down the stairs, but the ladder broke, hitting her mom in the face. With no other choice, both Eliany and her brother had to jump from the second floor to safety.
Eliany later found Sissy outside—she had jumped out of a window. Though Sissy was scared and bit Eliany during the rescue attempt, kind neighbors helped net her, and miraculously, all the cats were saved.
About Eliany and Her Mom
Eliany isn’t just a cat owner—she’s a dedicated rescuer in her community. For years, she has tirelessly worked to help cats in need, trapping, neutering, and returning (TNR) feral cats to reduce overpopulation. She has partnered with rescues to trap friendly cats, foster them, and find them loving homes. In addition, she feeds many outdoor cats in her neighborhood, ensuring they have food and care.
Eliany’s mom is equally selfless. She has volunteered with her church for years, cooking meals for the homeless and helping those in need. She has always put others first, and her kindness has made a lasting impact on her community.
The Challenges They Face
Eliany’s mom had recently been laid off from her job, and Eliany had just left her job to focus on school.
They’re currently staying with an aunt, but space is extremely limited, and it’s only a temporary solution.
Government assistance has not been available, and they need immediate help to secure a new place to live, and replace most if not all of their belongings.
See news report of the fire here:
Organizer
Marina Delgado
Organizer
Jersey City, NJ