A Lorain woman is in the midst of setting up a donation fund for her sister whose rented home in Sheffield Township was
.
Regina Updegrove, 57, said she is starting a support fund for her sister, Christine Dyer, 60, at FirstMerit Bank because most of Dyer’s belongings were destroyed in the fire.
Updegrove explained the home is in ashes, and Dyer needs ‘a little help to get back on her feet’ due to her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
‘She really doesn’t have anything except her disability social security for her lung problems,’ Updegrove said. ‘She doesn’t have anything – she’s going to have to start from scratch.’
She added Dyer will be staying with her until the family is able to afford her a place to live.
The family said Dyer was transported to Mercy Hospital July 23 and was hoping she would be released July 24.
Brian Stewart, 24 of Lorain, said his mother, Dyer, lost all of her medication, most family photos, memorabilia and furniture passed down by family in the fire. After sifting through the leftover plywood and ashes, he learned his and his mother’s medical records were burned, along with Dyer’s driver’s license and birth certificate.
Stewart said the fire – and the way it has impacted his family – has left him in a state of ‘numbness.’
‘It doesn’t really sink in until you’re trying to pull through the ashes and see if you can find anything, and see if there’s something left that reminds you of your childhood,’ he said. ‘All my football trophies and little league trophies – it’s just a memory now.’
Stewart said, to his relief, he did find some old baby photos and his mother’s wedding photos in the rubble of the fire.
Despite the destruction of the home and much of the family’s belongings, Stewart said he is thankful his mother is not seriously hurt.
‘I don’t care about anything that got burned up. The only thing I care about is that my mom’s all right. I’m glad that my mom’s not dead.’
Updegrove said to her knowledge, Dyer did not suffer serious injuries minus a few burned and blistered fingers. Jennifer Caiker, marketing and communications director for Mercy Regional Medical Center, confirmed Dyer was treated at Mercy and transferred, but could not confirm injuries sustained or where she was transferred.
According to Bandagski, the fire occurred at 7:15 a.m. and burned the single-story home, located at 1670 Elfleda St. He also said the fire department believes the blaze may have started in the living room.
Mutual aid was needed from Elyria Township, Sheffield Village, Avon and Sheffield Lake fire departments.
Updegrove said the FirstMerit donation account should be set up within the next few days, and those interested in donating can contact FirstMerit Bank and indicate they’d like to contribute to the ‘Christine Dyer Fund.’
