Rebuild Hope for Steve and Emma

In the early morning hours of Monday, April 14, Stephen awoke to a flickering light, which he soon realized was a fire raging through his small home. He was able to get his daughter Emma and himself out of the house, but they could not save their beloved dog, Zaza.

Steve and Emma were rushed to UNC Health Johnston for evaluation, and then Steve was helicoptered to the UNC Chapel Hill Burn Unit. Because of the amount of smoke he inhaled, Steve was intubated as a precaution to protect his airway. He was burned on his face, ears, and neck. The medical team shaved Steve’s face and head so they could be sure to treat all of his burns.

The house is a total loss, along with nearly everything inside. The cause of the fire has been listed as “unknown”; we think it was likely electrical but aren’t certain where it started.

Steve was released from the Burn Unit at UNC on Friday, April 18, and he and Emma are currently staying with family and friends until they can find a place to live.

This tragedy was only compounded by the recent loss of Claire, Steve’s wife and Emma’s mom. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, April 2. That being said, it has been a terrible time for our family.

Steve and Emma are having to completely start over. Everything from furniture to dishes, food, clothes, and toiletries will need to be replaced. Because both Emma and Steve were sleeping when the fire started and had to run out of the house, neither of them had shoes on.

Please help Steve and Emma get back on their feet. There is some insurance, but as everyone knows, it won’t be enough and will take some time to get the proceeds.

If you have questions, have a lead on a house/apartment in Johnston County (imperative for Emma's school program), have furniture or housewares you’d like to donate, etc., please reach out to me (Suzanne, Steve’s other daughter).