Rebuild Hope: Assist Helen Lam After Altadena Fires

Help Helen Lam Rebuild Her Esthetician Business After the Altadena Fires

https://venmo.com/u/Helen-Lam-4

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In the morning hours on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, devastating widespread fires from Eaton Canyon in southern California tore through the Altadena community, leaving heartbreak and unimaginable loss behind. My best friend and her family were hit especially hard. Her mom, Helen Lam, lost her small esthetician business—their family’s sole source of income—to the fire.

Since arriving in California as a boat refugee of the Vietnam War in 1983, Helen worked tirelessly to learn a new trade and new language to provide for her family. She eventually scrounged up enough funds to set up a small shop nestled in the community of Altadena. Helen loved what she did, and she loved the people she served. For over a decade, she poured her heart into her business, providing compassionate and detail-oriented care and service (affectionately dubbed as “Waxing Queen” on Yelp) to her beloved clients and up to five generations of their families, while supporting her own family, including her husband, Nelson, and her three children: Howard, Anna, and Laurel.

Not only did the Eaton fire completely decimate the building Helen worked in, but the fire also destroyed Helen’s supplies and equipment, leaving her with nothing to continue doing the work she excels at, for clients she loves.

To make matters worse, Helen’s youngest daughter, Laurel, is a dedicated medical student nearing the end of her program. Despite her intense workload, Laurel has been doing everything she can to help her family. However, the financial strain has become overwhelming, and the Lam family needs our help to recover.

How You Can Help

We’re asking for support to help Helen find a new place to set up shop, replace the supplies and equipment she needs, help contact clients to restart her esthetician business, and assist the Lam family with essential living expenses as they rebuild.

Your donations will go toward

• Replacing esthetician supplies and equipment (facial machines, skin care supplies, tools, sterilizers, towels, warmers, lamps, beds, stools, chairs, surveillance, etc.)

• Covering basic living expenses like housing, food, and utilities until she can open up shop

• Locating a new workspace, reconnecting with old clients, finding new clients

Why It Matters

Helen has always been a hardworking and selfless provider for her family, and losing her business has been a devastating blow. Despite these challenges, her resilience and determination inspire everyone around her.

It’s our turn to step in and help this incredible family during their time of need.

Every contribution will make a difference in helping Helen and the Lam family restore their lives. Together, we can help Helen get back to doing the work she loves and provide her family with hope for the future.

Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and support.

-Haeli, friend of the Lam Family