On Monday, July 20, my good friend Deidre Rutherford, along with her husband John and their two children, Michael and Alison, experienced a devastating home fire. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, and the flames were contained to their attached garage, destroying their family vehicle and everything inside the structure. While the fire damage itself was contained to the garage, the smoke damage spread throughout their home, affecting nearly everything they own.

Their home is uninhabitable due to extensive smoke damage, which is one of the most difficult and costly aspects of the situation. Many of their belongings are either a total loss or require professional cleaning and restoration. Even some items that appear unaffected are covered in smoke and soot and require specialized cleaning services.

As you can imagine, they are facing expenses they never expected, including temporary housing, meals while they lack access to a kitchen, transportation, professional cleaning and restoration, replacing belongings, and many other costs that come with being unexpectedly displaced from their home.

If the fire itself wasn't enough, Deidre was laid off from her Montessori teaching position just days after, due to low enrollment. Losing her income at the same time their family is dealing with the aftermath of the fire has added another financial burden.

They are all incredibly grateful to everyone who has reached out, checked on them, offered help, or simply kept their family in their thoughts. Thank you for helping Deidre, John, Michael, and Alison get through this hardship and begin the long process of putting their lives back together.