Help Lydia and Ryan Rebuild After the Wildfires

We are friends of Lydia Demange Berena and Ryan Berena. Lydia and Ryan were married in July of 2023 in an outrageously joyous ceremony with all their family and friends. Eighteen months later their new chapter took an unimaginable turn. Everything was lost when the Eaton Fire swept through their Altadena neighborhood last night. Wedding gifts, carefully collected art, family heirlooms, keepsakes, clothing, toiletries, thousands of dollars in camera gear, hard drives, and a new car disappeared in moments.

The funds raised on this platform will help provide temporary housing, clothing, dog treats, and essentials as they face the daunting task of rebuilding. They will be used for unmet needs not covered by other disaster relief funds. If you have met Lydia and Ryan you know what love is. They are kind, remarkably talented creatives with friends as incredible as they are.

Altadena had become a lifeline for Lydia and Ryan. After years of searching, the couple finally found a community where they felt at home. They relocated to a beautiful house near the foothills with trail access and dozens of friendly neighbors who were just as passionate about the area as they had become. Together with their two beloved fur babies, they were building a life filled with creativity, connection, and future dreams.

Memories are priceless. If you have photos, videos, or keepsakes of Lydia and Ryan, please consider sharing them. Digital memories can be uploaded here. These small, irreplaceable reminders of their journey together offer small beacons of hope and comfort. For physical photos, larger files, or any of their creative work that might be salvageable, please contact Elena Landsman to arrange safe delivery while the couple seek temporary housing.

Fire is both a powerful metaphor and an essential tool in ecology. After a wildfire, the immediate destruction is often referred to as a “burn scar.” The soil becomes vulnerable to erosion, and the risk of flooding increases due to runoff and hydrophobic conditions. Only the most resilient plant species reestablish, take root, and thrive again in this landscape.

We all know Lydia and Ryan possess that same resilient spirit. Together, with your support, they will rebuild their lives and find joy once again. Thank you for helping them grow through this extraordinarily difficult time.