In a poignant story of resilience and survival, 77-year-old Dina Ament from Altadena lost her cherished home to the devastating Eaton Fire in Los Angeles. Diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer exactly five years before the fire broke out, Ament has been battling health challenges, including neuropathy that limits her mobility. Despite these obstacles, she managed to escape the rapidly approaching flames on January 8th, thanks to quick thinking and the help of her neighbors. Her daughter has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her mother’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.

A Night of Survival and Strength

On a fateful Wednesday morning in early January, in the heart of Altadena, California, Dina Ament was alerted by her dog Sadie to an impending danger—the Eaton Fire was closing in. For this retired paralegal, who had already faced significant health battles, the situation was dire. With no time to waste, Ament summoned extraordinary strength to descend the eight steps leading from her front door despite her debilitating neuropathy. The power outage added another layer of complexity as the gate to her driveway refused to open. Fortunately, her neighbors came to her aid, breaking the gate to allow her car to pass through safely.

Rushing back into her home one last time, Ament gathered essential belongings and her loyal companion, Sadie, who weighed around 65 pounds. Carrying the dog without assistance required immense effort but was crucial for their survival. As she fled the scene, Ament watched helplessly as her beloved home—a symbol of her resilience and recovery—was consumed by the inferno. This house had been her sanctuary for over a decade, providing comfort and hope during her toughest times.

Though Ament has homeowners insurance, the financial burden of rebuilding remains uncertain. In response, her daughter Andrea initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist her mother in regaining not just a home but also a sense of security. To date, the fundraiser has garnered over $5,200 in donations from compassionate supporters.

Through her ordeal, Ament hopes to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during natural disasters. “It’s a lot of things that are very stressful,” she reflects, emphasizing that people with disabilities often experience twice the stress in such situations.

This story underscores the importance of community support and highlights the resilience of those who have already endured so much. It serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, every act of kindness can make a profound difference in someone’s life.