Help the Forrister Family Recover from the Eaton Fire

Hello, my name is Leah and I'm from Pasadena, CA. I'm reaching out to our Pasadena/Altadena community on behalf of my childhood friend, Carissa Forrister. Her parents, Rick and Kiem Forrister sadly lost their home to the Eaton Fire up in Altadena, California.

Carissa and I have been childhood friends since kindergarten at St. Philip the Apostle School, and later going to Mayfield Senior School together for high school. Rick and Kiem are such hardworking and generous people, and always treated me like family. I have fond memories of playdates in their lovely and warm home, and to hear that Carissa's childhood home was tragically taken by the Eaton fire just broke my heart.

Carissa shared with me why their home was so special to her.

"Just over 35 years ago, my parents bought what they believed would be their family home. Like many others, we fled the oncoming fire with the expectation that we would be back home very soon. The morning of January 8th, that hope disappeared, along with all of the tangible memories, family history, and everything else within.

As my dad is a retired veteran of the Air Force of 32 years, the financial burden has fallen on my mom and the prospect of rebuilding their home and life has become overwhelming.

My hope is to help my parents recover so we can continue to be members of our wonderful Altadena neighborhood for many more decades to come. Thank you for any help or memories in advance.

Lastly, for all those who have also experienced loss during these fires, we stand with you, and we pray for the best recovery for you."

How You Can Help

Please consider donating to this loving family. Donations will help Carissa in easing the stress this has put on her family. Like many others in their situation, they will need support to cover unexpected costs and to get back on their feet. Please share their story, and any help is greatly appreciated.

Recovering Photos

We also ask that if you have any digital copies photos of the family, please share them! All photo memories have been lost, so we're hoping to recover as many as we can.