Help Us After Devastating Wildfires in LA

Hi Loved Ones,

Thank you for your love and support. We are humbled by the outpouring of care that has come our way during this unimaginable time.

Our Story

On Tuesday, January 7th, at 6 PM, we suddenly lost power and found ourselves in the dark. By 7 PM, we saw red on the horizon to the east and learned there was a fire in the distance. Wanting to stay safe, we packed a bag and went to stay with family in Pasadena for a night or two until it was safe to return. By 8 PM, we had left our home at 115 E. Palm St. in Altadena, California.

That night, we watched the news as the Eaton Canyon Fire grew from 400 acres to 500 acres, then to 1,000 acres by 2:30 AM on January 8th. At 4 AM, we received an alert that the fire had grown to 2,227 acres, and our home was officially in a mandatory evacuation zone.

Still hopeful, we awoke later that morning, only to learn that the fire had spread to 10,600 acres. JR drove to the house at 10 AM and was met with devastation—our home and neighborhood were gone.

This wasn’t just any house. It was the childhood home of Brandy (43) and Megan (40). It was also the only home Roderick (6) and Stella (4) had ever known. The memories, the laughter, the sense of belonging—all reduced to ash.

While we are heartbroken, we are grateful beyond words for the safety of our family and the love and support of friends, neighbors, and the broader community.

As if the loss of our home wasn’t enough, our 84-year-old father, Bill, who lives with us, suffered a fall the day after the fire (January 9th). He broke his hip and has since undergone hip replacement surgery. His recovery will require physical therapy and time in a skilled nursing facility. This has added another layer of emotional and financial strain to our situation.

How You Can Help

Your generosity will help us rebuild our lives and provide for both immediate and long-term needs. Here’s how we plan to use the funds:

1. Basic Necessities: essential items for daily living.

2. Dad’s Medical Needs: IVs, nourishment, nursing care, and physical therapy to support his recovery.

3. Giving Back: Rebuilding our community is a priority for us. We will be donating a portion of all funds received to others in need within our community.

Supporting the Community

A portion of your contributions will go to the following:

1. Saint Mark’s School: Stella’s school was lost in the fire, and we want to help them rebuild.

2. Odyssey School: Roderick’s school will need significant cleanup and preparation to create a safe environment for students to return.

3. Our Neighbors: We have several neighbors who, like us, lost their homes but did not have fire insurance. We want to help them rebuild their lives as well.

Thank You!

We are deeply moved by the kindness of those who have reached out to us. Your support means the world to us and will help us rebuild not only our home but also the foundation of our family’s future. Together, we can also help our community recover and thrive once more.

With love and gratitude,

Cheryl, Bill, Brandy, Megan, JR, Roderick, & Stella