A 40-Year Family Legacy Gone: Support Teresa After Pali Fire

I’m writing on behalf of my mother, Teresa Gutierrez, who in the blink of an eye lost everything she and my late father, Gustavo Gutierrez, built and worked for in the Palisades fire. Our family home of 40 years—our space to feel safe—was destroyed, leaving my 70-year-old mother with only a few photo albums and the memories of a lifetime.

My parents came to this country from Mexico with nothing but hope and determination. My father arrived at just 21 years old, and my mother was only 15. They met, fell in love, and built a life together in Los Angeles. They believed that with hard work and sacrifice, they could give their three children a better future.

In the 1980s, after years of working multiple jobs and saving every penny, they bought a house in the Pacific Palisades. For them, this home was not just bricks, it was a symbol of everything they had overcome and a way to give their kids a better life. My father poured his heart into every inch of that house, making it a home where love, laughter, and cherished memories flourished for our family and the five grandchildren he adored.

Sadly, in 2016, my father passed away from congestive heart failure, leaving my mother to carry on the torch and continue their legacy. Despite the immense grief and hardship, she continued to care for the house, our memories, and our family. It became the center of our celebrations, our holidays, and the place where we could still feel his spirit.

Now, at 70 years old, my mother has lost EVERYTHING! The house that was the heart of our family is gone. The pain of losing her home is indescribable, and no one could have prepared her for such a tragic loss.

We are asking for your help. My mother is left with nothing but photo albums and needs help during this time as she navigates next steps. We’ve started this campaign to cover unexpected costs.

Your help will allow us to address the many aspects of recovery and support our family through this crisis. Donations will be used to support our family, friends, and Pali neighbors.

Thank you for your generosity, love, and support. Together, we can help my mother move forward and continue fulfilling the legacy she and my father worked so hard to create.