Support Katherine's Family After Eaton Fire

It is with heavy hearts that I share the story of my mother’s family home. My name is Laurene, and my family and I have been lifelong residents of the Altadena, Alhambra, and El Sereno areas. Tragically, my mother, brother, and their family, who have been living in Altadena, have suffered an unimaginable loss in the recent Eaton fire.

Katherine, my mother, is a dedicated LAUSD special education teacher who has called Altadena her home for the past 13 years. This was her first and only home—a place filled with love, memories, and everything she worked so hard to build. Living with her were my brother Andrew, his girlfriend Christina, and their 6-year-old daughter Desirae. Also living with them was Sergio, Katherine’s 21-year-old nephew.

Their home—and the entire neighborhood just two blocks above Altadena Drive and Fair Oaks Avenue—was completely destroyed in the fire. They escaped with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Katherine has devoted her career to supporting students with special needs, embodying resilience, compassion, and strength. Now, she and her family face the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives from nothing. They are in urgent need of clothing, school supplies for Desirae, work essentials for Katherine, Andrew, and Christina.These funds will assist with needs that might not be fully covered by FEMA, such as temporary housing, furniture, and all the basic necessities required to get through this loss. The money raised will go directly to these essentials.

As a family, we are turning to our community for support during this heartbreaking time. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help them begin to rebuild their lives. If you are unable to donate, even sharing this story would mean the world to us.

We are profoundly grateful for the love and support that reminds us we are not alone, even in the darkest moments. Thank you for standing with us and offering hope as we navigate this painful chapter.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Laurene Cardoza Mancilla