Help the Diskint Family Reset

We're a family of four (plus three furry babies) from Altadena, CA. My name is Michael. My wife is Jacqueline, son Colin (10.8 years old), daughter Olivia (newly 9 as of Jan. 3), Happy Dog, Elsa Dog, and Riley the beloved cat. I am a full-time student, my wife in a school psychologist, our daughter is in 3rd grade and our son is in 5th.

We are asking for help for uncovered expenses like essentials, temporary housing, and recovery because the Eaton fire decimated our home, and melted our car, in the early hours of the morning on 1/8/2025. Our home was not just a building—my wife and I were married in the backyard, our kids grew up there, it was our refuge at the end of a long day. We are thankfully together, safe, and counting our blessings.

Now, we’re facing a daunting road ahead as we reset. We need to find a place to land and replace all the essentials—bedding, kitchenware, toiletries, beds, a couch, clothes, shoes, school backpacks and lunch bags, books, food, toilet paper, birth certificates, car, marriage certificates, SS cards. So many things we couldn't, or forgot to, take—the little speaker we use for our family dance parties, the solar system puzzle we just got for Christmas that we started working on an hour before we had to evacuate, work clothes and work shoes, our son's coin and car and model train collections, the many detailed beautiful little sculptures our daughter meticulously made for us and her brother and her dolls, art supplies, Calico Critters characters our daughter just got for her birthday, washer and dryer, letters from beloved passed-on family members, precious books, family heirlooms, one-of-a-kind paintings my mother did of our children, camping equipment, basketball, basketball hoop, the presents my wife received from her students that she was waiting to open so she could be sure to write a thank you note to each of her students and families who she is beyond grateful for. Inventorying for the insurance company is forcing us to think about all we lost—it hurts.

The road ahead is scary, we are grieving, and we are feeling a bit overwhelmed. Yet, in this moment of tragedy, we are also reminded of the power of the village. Thank you to the many people who have reached out to offer support and words of encouragement!

We sincerely appreciate you considering to donate to our fund in order to help us buy the basics and a car, and remake our safe place and find some stability as we face so many hurdles to find a new normal. Your generosity gives us so much comfort and hope! With all of your help, we know this too shall pass. Every little bit helps, whether it’s a donation to this fund, a pass along (used is loved), words of support, acts of service, advice, beautiful smiles....

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We are deeply grateful for your love and generosity.

With hope and faith,

Michael, Jaqueline, Colin, Olivia—and our 3 fur babies (Happy, Elsa, Riley)