Tessa and Michael: Rebuilding After The Fire

When we purchased our home 2 years ago, we considered ourselves to be among the luckiest. After a year of searching for a home and then another year in a stressful escrow process and legal battle, we finally could call ourselves homeowners of the most beautiful property in the beautiful hills of Altadena right by Eaton Canyon. It was perfect for our growing family.

On January 7, 2025, we decided to stay in a hotel due to a strong winds forecast and likely power outages and trees down. We thought we would be away for 1 night so we packed lightly. As we settled into our hotel for the night, we got word that a fire had started extremely close to our house (originally called the “Close Fire”). That night was one of the most stressful nights we’ve experienced as we looked and looked on various news stations and message apps to get word of the status of the fire and our home. In the morning, we couldn’t wait any longer and Michael ventured up the mountain to determine if our house was still standing. What he found was complete devastation of our house – almost as if there was never a house there at all.

We had lost everything we owned, and the place we had created so many wonderful memories in, to the Eaton Fire. Our family is safe which is always the most important thing. And the brightest light through all of this is the immeasurable amount of love and support that we have received during the days of our evacuation and ultimate loss. We have received so many offers from our friends and family to help in any and all ways possible and we are so grateful and feel so loved. Many of you have reached out offering donations, so we started this fundraiser to make it easier for those that would like to donate. Please do not feel obligated to do so.

We are grateful for all of your support, in all its forms.

Tessa and Michael