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After West Fire in Alpine, family with own history of loss gives back

Posted at 6:35 PM, Jul 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-26 22:14:06-04

ALPINE, Calif. (KGTV) - A family in Alpine who lost their 2-year-old daughter to cancer is now using their story to help victims of the West Fire.

Bree Rowand says, after her daughter Kylie’s cancer diagnosis in 2013, the community of Alpine immediately sprang into action, bringing them food and holding fundraisers.

Kylie’s story ended up getting national attention as she fought neuroblastoma for 13 months.

“They just really lifted us in a time when we felt so down,” Rowand said of her neighbors in Alpine.

After that experience, Rowand says she knew she had to do something after the West Fire.

She posted an Amazon wish list on the Facebook page she created for her daughter’s cancer fight and the donations started pouring in.

For 11 families, they were able to put together a care package with a toaster, coffee maker, hairdryer, pots and pans, blanket and $300 in gift certificates.

 

The hardest part has been the handoff.

 

“It’s bittersweet,” says Rowand. “Every time I give it to them they start crying.”