When the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, it left behind a trail of devastation that changed lives overnight. Among those affected was the Sawyer family—Lydia and Tom, their 87-year-old uncle Richard Castañeda, and their three young grandchildren. Their home on Olive Avenue, which had been a sanctuary for their family for nearly 40 years, was reduced to ashes.
For Lydia, seeing the remains of their home for the first time was overwhelming.
“It’s my first time seeing it. It’s breaking my heart. Everybody in the community, it breaks my heart,” she said through tears.
Richard, who had built his life in that house, struggled to find the words to describe his grief. After losing his wife to dementia just a few years ago, the fire had now taken the last physical reminders of their life together.
And for Tom, the heartbreak was compounded by the pain of explaining to his grandchildren that everything they had—every toy, every photo, every memory—was gone.
“What am I going to do with my kids, my grandkids? I don’t know how to explain to them. It’s going to be the hardest thing to do ever.”
To make matters worse, their insurance company denied their claim due to a missed payment, leaving them without the safety net they had counted on to rebuild.
A Community Steps Up
In times of devastation, true community shines. The Special Needs Network (SNN), committed to supporting families in crisis, stepped in to help. Through their Adopt-a-Family Program, SNN provided the Sawyer family with essential resources, including a gift card to help them purchase necessities.
“We know that no amount of money can replace the home and memories they’ve lost,” said Areva Martin, founder of SNN. “But we can make sure they know they’re not alone. This is what community is about—lifting each other up when the unthinkable happens.”
As the Sawyers begin their journey to rebuild, local organizations and neighbors continue to rally around them. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family get back on their feet, and volunteers have reached out to provide meals, clothing, and support.
While the road ahead remains uncertain, the Sawyers are not walking it alone. Their story is one of loss, but also of resilience and the power of community.
To help the Sawyer family and others affected by the Eaton Fire, consider donating to their relief fund or supporting local organizations like SNN that are making a difference in the lives of families in need.