Help the Bilandzija Family Rebuild Their Lives in Altadena

Rebecca Mercado is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Daryl Bilandzija.

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Our dear friends: Jessica, Daryl, Bella, Catalina & Julian Bilandzija lost their home and all of their possessions on January 7, 2025 in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA. We met the Bilandzijas 20 years ago when Jessica started a Mom & Me (Mama Mia) fitness group at the Rose Bowl. Since then, we have been a tight knit community of support and love for each other. Our kids have grown up together and our families have become one.

The Bilandzija family home in Altadena has been the hub for all of us and it is with heavy hearts that we reach out to ask for support for the Bilandzijas today. Jessica is an English teacher at Marshall Secondary School in Pasadena, as well as the school's Cross Country Coach and former Tennis Coach. Daryl teaches English at La Canada High School. Daryl is also an amazing finish carpenter and had handmade most of the furniture in the home, all of which was also lost in the fire. All three of their kids went to Altadena schools including Odyssey Charter and John Muir High School. Jessica and Daryl have been residents of Altadena for 20 years and invested much love and hard work into the community. Jessica is the President of the board of Directors of Pasadena Dance Theatre and has donated and volunteered tirelessly.

They need us now. Please help the Bilandzijas re-establish their lives, begin to re-build, and bring them back to Altadena - the city they love. Help them once again pour their light and good hearts into teaching, coaching, nurturing nature and giving back. Help bring them home. Please donate any amount. All proceeds go toward rebuilding.

Currently, Daryl and Jessica are staying with extended family in San Diego. Bella is finishing her senior year at Park Point University in Pittsburg and Catalina is in her second year at UC San Diego. Julian has had to pause his sophomore year at John Muir High School due to the recent fires, but hopes to return. Shadow, their beloved dog is safe and so is sweet Bill, their cat. We are grateful that they are all are alive.

Thank you in advance for your support and love.

Mama Mia Moms: Arianne, Boonrasi, Cherie, Jeanette, Jessalyn, Kristin, Rebecca and Tracey

Shadow the dog & Bill the cat in happier times: