Help the Merlan-Hammerli Family Recover After Eaton Fire

The kind, loving, and generous Merlan-Hammerli Family (Mari, Brandon, 6-year-old Kindergartener Sage, and their three cats) have tragically lost their Altadena rental home and all of their belongings in the Eaton Fire.

Unfortunately, they do not have rental insurance to cover any of their destroyed possessions, and they were not able to take anything with them except the cats before fleeing from the fire. They have lost a lifetime of memories, mementos, and the life they've worked tirelessly to build.

To compound this tragedy, Sage's school, Aveson School of Leaders (where Brandon worked previously), was also completely destroyed, and there is no word on next steps for Sage's school. The family, like so many others, are suffering and need our help and financial support.

Maritza (Mari), a devoted mother, works part-time with our elderly community as a caregiver, and Brandon, a wonderful father, works part-time in education. This traumatic event has left them reeling from their profound loss - they are plagued with "what-ifs" and regrets. Any financial assistance, big or small, will help them while they begin to recover. Your generosity and support is deeply appreciated.

[*Please note, I am a local Pasadena friend, attorney, and parent of their son's close friend/kindergarten classmate organizing this fundraiser and I will immediately direct all funds to the family. Thank you for helping this amazing family.]