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Amanda Howell, of Wakefield, was recovering from extensive surgery for her ovarian cancer when a fire consumed her home, her possessions, and her dog, Oddie, on Sunday, May 14, according to a GoFundMe created to help her recover from the losses.
A person noticed the fire at Charlie's On Main, a pizzeria located at 340 Main Street in Wakefield, and reported it to officials. Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings, but the restaurant and the multiple apartments above it were severely damaged.
- Read more: 2 Dogs Die, 4 People Displaced In 4-Alarm Fire At Wakefield Pizza Shop, Apartment Building
Howell was one of the building's residents to suffer financially and emotionally from the fire.
In the wake of the devastation, her community poured thousands of dollars into a GoFundMe to help her replace her ruined items and secure new housing.
"Not having her beloved Oddie to comfort her nor having a place to call home while recovering from surgery is incomprehensible and overwhelming," the fundraiser campaign description reads. "Your generosity will show Amanda that she is not alone and will help rebuild her life which seems so out of reach at this moment."
Oddie was not the fire's only canine casualty. Zara, the beloved dog of engaged Wakefield couple Mily Mallard and Michael Zanni, also died in the blaze.
"They’ve lived in the apartment together since November 2020, where they have built a happy home with their two dogs and many foster animals," reads a GoFundMe created by Zanni's sister to support the couple in their time of need.
The couple got engaged in October 2022 and have been planning a wedding for September 2024.
Money raised from the GoFundMe will help the couple find new housing, replace lost possessions, and revitalize their wedding plans, according to the fundraiser description.
"We want to ensure that their dream of a beautiful wedding becomes a reality, helping them create new memories and celebrate their love in the face of adversity," the fundraiser campaign description reads.
Click here to access the GoFundMe for Amanda Howell.
Click here to access the GoFundMe for Mily Mallard and Michael Zanni.
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