Help Our Family Rebuild After Tragedy

On the morning of October 7, 2024, a tragic event struck our family. My husband Manny, who had just completed a Father-Daughter Cycling Marathon the day before, was exhausted and sore, so he made the responsible decision to call off work and rest at home. What should have been a quiet day of recovery turned into a nightmare when a sudden explosion shook our home. The cause is still under investigation, but the consequences were immediate and devastating.

We are incredibly thankful that some of our neighbors were home and heard the explosion. Without hesitation, they rushed in and bravely pulled my husband from the flames before the fire grew uncontrollable. The Long Beach Fire Department arrived quickly and managed to extinguish the blaze before it spread further, but the damage had already been done.

My husband suffered severe 2nd and 3rd degree burns across much of his body. He is currently in the ICU, fighting to heal. Our family, however, has lost everything. Our home, a symbol of years of hard work and sacrifice, is gone. As Filipino immigrants, we worked tirelessly to build a life and create a home where our family could thrive. After only a year of enjoying our dream home, it was cruelly taken away in an instant.

Now, in the face of this heartbreaking disaster, we are humbly asking for help. My husband Manny faces a long and painful road to recovery, and the medical expenses are overwhelming. Meanwhile, our family is left without the basic necessities—food, clothing, and housing.

Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to our family during this time of unimaginable hardship. Your kindness will help cover medical bills, provide for immediate needs, and offer a glimmer of hope as we begin to rebuild our lives. We are deeply grateful for any assistance you can offer. Every bit of help truly makes a difference.