Aid helps
victims of house fire
regain hope

'If you lose hope in humanity,
have a fire -- it'll renew you,' says a
Pacific Palisades woman

By Heather Tang
Star-Bulletin

Tragedy struck the Pana family on Sunday when a fire broke out in its rented Pacific Palisades home, destroying the structure and most of its contents.

But good deeds from friends and strangers are helping the family of eight regain hope and are bringing smiles to the faces of its children.

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Shaynne and Dianne Pana thank benefactors Jeff and Bernie
Tom outside of Ross following their shopping spree sponsored
by the Holy Bible Church of Ewa Beach.

"If you ever lose hope in humanity, have a fire -- it'll renew you," said Dianne Pana, whose family moved into the house two years ago.

"I'm overwhelmed by all of the people who have stopped by and given their support. We didn't know there were so many people who cared. From every member of our family, we just want to thank everybody who's done things and helped us."

Donated so far have been clothing, food, school supplies, furniture, rice cookers and even cash, according to Pana's husband, Nelson.

'We didn't know there were
so many people who cared.'

Dianne Pana

VICTIM OF PACIFIC PALISADES FIRE

Said Dianne: "We've gotten truckloads of clothes, pots and pans from just so many people that I don't even know. People are coming to give us money and wish us well."

Friends Jeff and Bernie Tom raised funds at work and with their church gave four of the Pana children a shopping spree last night at Ross Dress for Less at Pearlridge Center.

The family had just finished its back-to-school shopping for three of the children, ages 11 to 14, when the fire broke out. Family members lost all of their clothing and school supplies for the new school year, which begins Monday.

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Jaylyn Pana tries on jeans while shopping for replacement
school clothes at Ross last night.

"There's no words to express our thanks -- just the act of doing something is enough," said Dianne, who added that the family has been calling radio stations to thank people for their generosity.

"We were really surprised," Nelson said. "A lot of donations are coming from people we don't even know." He is eager to repay the kindness shown to his family, and said he stopped four times yesterday to help stalled motorists.

The Red Cross has provided the family with immediate needs such as clothing, food and toiletries.

The family is temporarily staying at a house across the street which belonged to Dianne's recently deceased mother.

No injuries were reported in the fire, believed to be electrical in origin. Total damage at the 1102 Apoepoe Place residence was estimated at $200,000.