Help Stephanie & Romy Rebuild after the Eaton Fire

It’s April.

Romy and I have been displaced from our home in Altadena, CA, since January 6th. Our home was one of the closest homes to the start of the Eaton fire. We are fortunate in some ways as the line of fire was pushed back so our things did not go up in flames - however unlucky as our home was shrouded in thick smoke for days. There was a giant gaping hole in our home - from a broken sliding glass door that allowed plumes of smoke to saturate the bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, dining and living room.

I vowed I would not start a fundraiser unless I absolutely needed one. I have worked tirelessly these past months trying to hold my life together - for Romy - for us - all the while dealing with insurmountable losses. My father passed away, Romy ended up in the hospital with a serious illness, I had a three week long respiratory infection / likely a result of my exposure to the aftermath of the fires, Romy lost her school, her best friends relocated, and her spirit was crushed. To say this year has been the most difficult and painful to date is an understatement. These are all words on a page to most but, to be walking through these experiences and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy for your child is a feat. To be dealing with the grief of your own loss, and this new grief for a child is unreal.

While many have moved on from this tragedy - so many of us are still struggling to pick up the pieces - and continue to participate in day to day life with a smile on our faces. Despite this incredibly challenging time I have been buoyed by friends reaching out asking how they can help. I haven’t taken or needed help - until now. Friends and family - we need your help.

This fire has been deemed one of the most dangerous fires - because it is an urban wildfire and the smoke is not your typical wildfire smoke - it is filled with hazardous cancer causing chemicals. The house was tested twice and high levels of lead were found on every surface.

The house smells - still smells - like a chemical soaked barbecue pit.

I desperately want to create a safe and clean environment for Romy. But, to do that I need to throw out 80% of our personal belongings and start again. Ask yourself what you would do in this situation - and I venture to guess it would be something similar. Our health and safety are my top priority in this situation.

Please help us start again. We are aiming to be back home by June.

If you cannot donate - please help us by sharing our story.

If you’ve gotten this far - thank you for your love, consideration and time.

Love,

Stephanie, Romy, & Iggy