The family that was in the fire early this morning is family members of my best friend, Sally, that is battling for her life with brain cancer. This morning's news was a shock to the whole family. Lacy and David were very hard-working to make ends meet for their 2 small children.
I have just been informed that their 5 year old son, Devon, has just been transported to Johns Hopkins University by helicopter. The father, David Zentmyer, remains in intensive care at PRMC. The mother, Lacy Willis, was also transported to Johns Hopkins, but it's unclear if she was a patient or transported to be there for her son. As stated in a prior posting, their youngest son, Andrew, perished in the fire.
It's a little too soon to find out yet, but as soon as I can, I will find out what the family may need, whether it be clothing, food, shelter, etc. I will post any information as soon as possible. I know our small community will coming together and help during this tragic event. I'm sure Lacy and David will need help getting through Christmas for their surviving son.
Initial conversations with the family states that the family could not afford heat in the trailer and were using kerosene heaters. The fire started in a child's bedroom. It is unclear how the fire started.
I'm already receiving emails and phone calls with readers ready to help. Here's one I'd like to share:
I just read your posting on Joe's blog, regarding the family in Willards. If you have any way of finding out what size clothing the little boy wears, I may be able to help out. My nephew is 5.5 and has just grown out of alot of his clothes. Most of it hardly worn because I only have him every other weekend. I was going to donate it to a clothes closet, but I would rather help this family directly if I can. There are no words to express my thoughts for this family in their time of need. I may also be able to provide toys as well. I make my nephew and my daughter get rid of several toys before Christmas.
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21 comments:
They are in my thoughts and prayers.
One note - I am friends with a family who lost their home and two children in a fire a few years ago. The Red Cross provided much help for the family, but they did not provide shelter. All they did was arrange for it at a local motel, which then charged the family 2K a month to stay there. I was appalled, to say the least.
Please let us all know what we can do to help.
I have two children and I feel so sad for their loss, I would like to find out what toys the surviving boy would like, please let me know this information when you can.
I am so sorry to hear about the news :( I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.
Anon 11:12 am,
There are a lot of Slum lords out there that have hundreds of rental property. Maybe one of them can step up to the plate and give them a home to stay in for several months or so until they get back on there feet. If this is done many of us will change our feelings and refer to the person as a landlord.
May the little one rest in peace. God bless the family and friends. (tears as I write)
With all the foreclosed homes sitting empty one of these banks should step up and provide some free housing for a period of time for this family. The banks have had a profit windfall over the past few decades, its time for one of them to step up to the plate and do some good.
I have furniture that someone may have to donate but need to know where to take these things.
Please call me at 4107269351.
Thank you and my prayers are with the family.
OMG Sunny,I have known Lacey Ann since she was 5 yrs old....I just spoke with her mother and the family is just holding on the best they can right now ......you are right,they do not have burial insurance for the baby and on top of Davids severe injuries,and being burned out of their home,they will be struggling to raise funds to bury little Andrew.I am still in shock over this and just want to say that even if you cannot help financially,please keep this family in your prayers!David and Lacey Ann are good,hardworking young parents who doted on their children and Lacey is part of an extended family that is very close-knit and loving,the kind of people who will do anything for you.Now they need the communitys help.Thank you Sunny for helping them out.
Sunny could give me a mail address to send money for donations for burial funds? teresa
Sunny I just spoke to Farmers Bank of Willards and a gentleman just started the fund for the family at this bank. Any donations of money can be dropped off there. Teresa
What a tragic event for this family and community. I can't imagine the pain this family is enduring right now. I am personally ready to contribute in any way I can. Please keep us informed of the families needs as they arise.My heart truely goes out to this family.
A huge thank you to the local fire departments and rescue teams who assisted in this horrific fire.
Is there a place on-line where you can go to donate for the burial with you credit card? If so where?
I would contact Robin at the Farmers Bank of Willards on Main Street in Willards.
This is indeed a tragic event. Let this be a reminder to everyone to have a working smoke detector. I stress the word working. That means a battery inside or hardwired.
Local fire departments give away hundreds of free detectors each year. There is no excuse for anyone not to have one. When you get home tonight, please check to make sure your smoke detector works and that you have one. You can obtain the phone number for your local fire station from the phone book. If it is not listed contact 410-548-4920 and the dispatch center will provide their number to you.
Thanks, I will.
I learned today that the 5 year old is a student in my daughters kindergarden class. My wife and I would welcome them to stay at our house in Pittsville. We have a whole upstairs that is open with plenty of room and beds. They can stay as long as needed. While we are tight on money we do have plenty of room to house this family at no charge. Our hearts go out to them.
Jim
contact me at capsfan9@aol.com
To Jim:
What an absolutely selfless and heartwarming offer you have made for this family. It is so amazing to see that there are still good people out there to help out when needed- and that goes for everyone who is offering to help. I do not personally know this family, but I felt compelled to comment that despite all of the horrible things we hear in the media, there is still a sense of community in our area! I will also do what I can to help this family and others and try to set a good example for my own young child so he can also learn the value of giving- and not just at Christmas! Great job!
Jim,you are so kind.There really ARE good people in this community.
Also wanted to pass along the address and info for anyone wanting to donate to the memorial fund
ATTN:Vicky or Jen
Zentmyer-Willis Family
Account #476714
Farmers Bank of Willards
7484 Market St.
P.O. Box 10
Willards,MD
21874
I do not have much to offer but if there will be a drop off place I have toys, stuffed animals, possibly clothing for the young boy and have adult clothing as well. All of it is used but I would not send anything not worth passing on. Also I have a dining room table, a microwave, and I am sure other items that we could give to help out.
My thoughts are with all of them and I wish them the best possible outcome.
clothes sizes for the family are:
Size 5 for the little boy
Mother XL shirts and size 16 pants
Father Large shirts and 32 x 34 pants
You may call me at 4107269351 if you want to drop things off as I have a contact person to take them too.
Thanks for everyones help.
I work with a relative of the family, and when i heard what happened, all i could do was sit there and cry. my heart broke so bad for that little boy, and his family. all i could do was think.. what if that was my baby? i couldnt imagine. we are taking donations at the census bureau in hagerstown, as well, size 5678 for the little boy dillon, as he does have 3rd degree burns, also blankets, toys for him, dishes, everything. they lost everything in this fire. my coworker has said that little dillon like trucks, thomas the train and other items that a typical 5 year old child would like. if you need directions please feel free to email me at randsbabygrl07@yahoo.com rip little andrew+
hi this is lacey an i just want to thank all of u for all the wonderful this everyone hyas done for my family !!!
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