My name is Tonita Fernandez, and I am reaching out for your support after an unimaginable loss. 

On January 7, my home in Altadena was completely destroyed in the Eaton Fire, along with many others in our community. The devastation has been overwhelming—especially because I had just remodeled the house and built an ADU in the back to give my two adopted great-great-nephews, ages 12 and 15, and my adopted daughter, a more stable home. 

Sadly, because we had not yet passed final inspection, our insurance coverage was insufficient, leaving us in a dire financial situation. Now, I face the burden of paying rent for temporary housing while still being responsible for a mortgage on a home that no longer exists. 

For 40 years, I dedicated my life to teaching and mentoring young people in the Pasadena-Altadena area, believing that every child deserves stability, education, and love. After surviving cancer when doctors gave me just six months to live, I decided to invest in rebuilding a home for my children—a safe place where they could thrive. I used my retirement savings to complete this dream, only to be taken advantage of by a contractor who left me financially drained. Another contractor eventually helped me get the home completed, but before we could fully secure our insurance, the fire took everything away. As if this weren’t enough, just months before the fire, I suffered a heart attack and underwent open-heart surgery. 

The community has been incredibly supportive, and I am deeply grateful for every hug, every prayer, and every kind word. But we still need more help to regain our footing. Donations of any size will go directly toward securing a long-term rental, covering rent and mortgage costs, and ensuring my children have the basic necessities to move forward. 

They are still young, and losing everything has been especially hard on them. Beyond financial support, they would greatly appreciate items that help them reclaim a sense of normalcy—gift cards, bikes, or even an iPad to replace what was lost. These small gestures can make a world of difference in their healing process. 

I have always been someone who gives back, but today, I find myself in a position of needing to ask for help. If you can contribute, whether financially or through other means, please know that every dollar and every act of kindness brings us closer to rebuilding our lives. 

Thank you for standing with us in this difficult time. Your generosity means more than words can express. 

With gratitude, 

Tonita