Tragic House Fire

Tragedy struck my sister’s family yesterday afternoon on 10/21/2022. My 17 year old niece was cooking lunch for herself and her 12 year old sister, after enjoying a dinner that she had prepared for her family the night before they wanted leftovers, Unfortunately todays lunch did not turn out the same when a Grease Fire started on the stove. Arriana tried to control the fire but unfortunately, she is now suffering third degree burns on her hand and arm. Also a second degree burn on her foot. She got her sister out of the house and returned inside to save their family dog. Arriana was Trauma Hawked to one of the best Trauma burn units in Orlando. She will undergo skin grafting within the next couple days and will spend a week or longer in the hospital and many more weeks healing with appointments in Orlando with the Burn Clinic.

We are so thankful that both girls are safe, but they have unfortunately lost their home and it was a rental and they did not have rental insurance.

The family is currently staying between the hospital and a hotel near the hospital Arriana is being cared at. Once released they don’t have a home to return to and will have to figure out their next steps. Kacey, Alex, Arriana and Jalissa have a long road ahead of them. Arriana is a Senior at Okeechobee high and Jalissa is in 7th grade. Kacey and Alex both work for local companies within our community.

They will be needing to take some time off to care for Arriana and reestablish their lives. Unfortunately, everything inside their home was lost. It will be a slow process to get them back on their feet, but anything will help.

They are so grateful and appreciative of everyone's kindness during this difficult time! Please keep them in your thoughts.