Our dear friend and sorority sister, Wykeima, and her family experienced something none of us ever imagines happening to someone we love—a devastating fire in their home. Thankfully, no family members were home when the fire broke out. Their beloved dogs, Dewey and Denver, however, were trapped inside. In what can only be described as an incredible blessing, firefighters were able to rescue them from the smoke-filled home. After being treated for smoke inhalation, both were released from the hospital and reunited with their family. Wykeima has said it best: “We lost things. We did not lose each other.” And while there is so much to be grateful for, the reality of what comes next is overwhelming. The combination of fire, smoke, and water damage was so extensive that their home will need to be gutted and rebuilt. For now, Wykeima and her family are staying in a hotel while they search for a temporary home where they can begin to regain some sense of normalcy. What was once the comfort and routine of home has suddenly been replaced by hotel rooms, insurance calls, appointments, decisions, and the uncertainty that comes with rebuilding after such a tremendous loss. In a matter of minutes, their everyday lives were turned upside down. As they navigate temporary housing, insurance, replacing necessities, caring for Dewey and Denver, and the countless details that accompany rebuilding their home and their daily lives, we want to take one simple but important thing off their plate: meals. Living in a hotel also makes something as ordinary as preparing dinner far more complicated. Having meals provided, restaurant and food-delivery gift cards, or support with groceries once they transition into temporary housing gives the family one less decision to make and one less expense to manage during an already overwhelming time. Those of us who know and love Wykeima know how readily she shows up for others. Now it is our opportunity to surround her and her family with that same love and care. We have created this Give InKind page to coordinate meal and food support during the weeks ahead. Whether you provide a meal, send a restaurant or food-delivery gift card, or contribute toward groceries, every gesture—large or small—is a tangible way of saying, “We've got you.” Above all, we are incredibly grateful that Wykeima and her family—including Dewey and Denver—are safe. Material things can eventually be replaced. The people we love cannot. The road back home will take time. Until then, please join us in wrapping our arms around Wykeima and her family with the love, prayers, and support of the community that surrounds them. While they are figuring out what tomorrow looks like, let's make sure dinner is one thing they don't have to worry about. With love, prayers, and gratitude, Friends, Family & Sorority Sisters of Wykeima
Story