After Phoenixville Family Loses Home In Fire, Community Rallies

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The community is rallying around a Phoenixville family who lost everything in a fire earlier this month.

The incident occurred on Monday, Oct. 5 at around 4:37 p.m. on Kenalcon Drive on the east end.

Flames bursting out of the stove quickly spread throughout the apartment as the two inhabitants, Cindy Galasso and her mother Patricia Galasso, were able to escape.

"In a matter of minutes, their lives were completely turned upside down," family friend Danielle O'Neill wrote in a GoFundMe. "Their apartment is now uninhabitable, and they have essentially lost everything."

Patricia is elderly, and Cindy is disabled as she is recovering from a hip surgery, making the situation even more fraught.

The GoFundMe had raised just over $1,000 as of Thursday afternoon. The fundraiser's goal is $9,000.

The American Red Cross helped the family with emergency items and short term shelter, but the family needs both a temporary home while the situation is settled, and a long term, permanent home.

Funds raised will also be used toward meals, toiletries, clothing, and transportation costs.

The Chester County Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, but it is believed to be accidental.