Our Story

I work for a non-profit organization in New York City.  On the afternoon of April 12, 2011, I rushed home after getting a call that firemen were at my apartment. I had no idea what to expect. When I arrived, I discovered that the small apartment I shared with my fiance was gutted. Parts of the ceiling collapsed, a wall heavily damaged, all the windows smashed and smoke and soot everywhere.  Our beloved rabbit Olivia died from the impact of the ceiling falling on her pen.  

Only two duffel bags of items were salvageable from the apartment. We have almost nothing. I have not been allowed in for the past two weeks, as it has been deemed "unsafe." We were able to find a new place, but it's empty except for a second-hand mattress donated to me by a coworker, and a few pieces of clothing.

The cause of the fire was electrical, but the exact source is unclear.  The management company shows no interest in assisting us.  We were unable to afford renter's insurance, so we are really on our own.

My fiance, Ron, is finishing graduate school and we're getting married in just four months.  Along with everything else we lost, we now have no savings to pay for the simple wedding we had planned.

I'm just overwhelmed by all that needs to be rebuilt. We have no savings, no wedding and almost no possessions. And I'm devastated by the loss of my rabbit Olivia, as well as by the loss of many special personal mementos, books, and other things I'd brought from my childhood in Maine and collected in the past eight years in New York.  I know that I am fortunate to be alive, and friends and family have been kind.  But I'm in a state of inner panic.

I am here humbly asking for help.

Please visit my Etsy Store

Please visit my Etsy store, Chickatey.  The items in the shop were in a storage closet, and were not affected by the fire.  I will be working to add new items, and would be thrilled to do custom orders.

If you don't see something you'd like or can't buy anything, please consider sharing the link wherever you think it would be welcome.

In kind donations are greatly appreciated

We are looking for any of these items:

• Household electronics to replace what was lost: computer, camera, dvd player
• Household items: pots and pans, cooking utensils, cutting board, tea kettle, bath mat
• Wedding needs 
• For bride: hair accessories, shoes
• For groom: suit, shoes, tie
• For the ceremony: Wedding invitations and decorations

In Honor of Olivia

In many ways, our greatest loss was that of our beloved  Olivia.  Not everyone understands how amazing the bond between a person and a house rabbit can be, but Olivia was a part of our family that we miss dearly. 

 Donations to Rabbit Rescue and Rehab in New York City would be wonderful.

Our beloved Olivia, may she rest in peace

It's difficult to ask for help, but we really can't do it alone. 

Thanks so much for listening to our story. 

Donate directly to our rebuilding fund on Paypal: