Help Miriam and Norma Recover After Huge Loss

This first week of January 2025 will be remembered for decades in Los Angeles. Our communities have faced unimaginable loss, heartache, and devastation due to the recent fires. I don’t think there’s anyone in the city who isn’t aware of at least one person affected by this tragedy.

These fires struck my mom and sister’s new place this last Wednesday afternoon. They’d recently moved back to LA from Minnesota after more than a decade away.

It all happened so fast that they weren’t able to take much with them when they evacuated on Tuesday night. They thought they were getting ahead of a power outage they city would impose for a couple of days, so they only grabbed a few essentials and our new family dog, dog. By Wednesday, everything was gone.

One of the most challenging things about the move, and the reason they moved back, is because of my mom’s dementia. She was diagnosed a few years ago after spending close to a decade of significant health challenges and us not knowing what was going on with her.

With the house gone, our immediate goal is to find a new home where they can regain stability and improve my mom’s quality of life. This transition has been difficult, causing her increased anxiety and confusion. She asks about going home and searches my apartment for things she can remember. She requires round-the-clock-care and my sister and I share caregiver duties, with Miriam living with her.

They are staying with me in a small, busy space near USC, which adds to her stress. We are still in the process of securing her medical care and have lost all necessary paperwork in the fire. Finding a new place in a quiet neighborhood where she can start a new routine is a top priority, and there are so many people in a similar situation also looking.

With so many unexpected, extra expenses that arise after something so terrible, you’re almost stopped in your tracks by the amount of things you have to do and reacquire.

It would mean the world to us if you considered donating, sharing, or rendering any assistance within your reach. We recognize that many need help, and contributions may not be possible for everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read our story; any support you can offer is genuinely appreciated.

Sincerely,

Norman Paz