Help Mike & His Adopted Cat Reba Rebuild After a Fire

Rachael Roache is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Michael Roache.

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My name is Rachael and I'm fundraising for my brother, Mike Roache, who lost everything in an apartment fire in Mokena, Illinois. This event, unfortunately, occurred during a 2-week period when his renter’s insurance was accidentally canceled (while bundling and switching auto insurance providers) so he will not be covered or compensated for any damages.

Read more about the fire here or search “20 Residents Displaced, 2 Firefighters Hurt In Mokena Apartment Fire.”

On the afternoon of 5/28, Mike returned to his apartment after work and soon saw black smoke billowing out of his bathroom ceiling vent. He grabbed his adopted Siamese cat, Reba, and rushed out of his building, racing down several flights of stairs.

After brave Mokena Police Officers and Fire Department rescued several elderly residents, they were forced to shatter the apartment’s windows and tear holes in the walls and ceilings to control the flames. The cause has yet to be determined but is believed to be from an electrical fire in an adjacent unit. Currently, the entire complex is boarded up and Mike cannot access anything inside - though the odds are next to zero that there’s anything to salvage due to the fire, smoke, water, and other damages.

Mike was extremely hesitant about accepting charity but genuinely could use any amount of support. He's been working incredibly hard, recently achieving Journeyman status in Local 130 Plumbers. On the path to his new role, Mike’s tools were stolen from his work truck in 2023, so this will be the second costly replacement he’s had to make within one year.

We know money may be tight and completely understand if you can’t give. But if you can, please know that every donation will go directly towards Mike’s needs including new work tools, clothing, bedding, furniture, cat supplies, and the security deposit/rent for when he finds a new residence. As of today, he is out of a residence for the foreseeable future, likely 6 months at least.

With Love & Gratitude,

Mike Roache & Family