IE Mother Suffers Burns, Loses 3 Cats In Devastating House Fire

REDLANDS, CA — A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support an Inland Empire mother who suffered severe injuries and lost nearly everything in a house fire earlier this month.

Rachel Panos, a Redlands resident who works as a driver for special needs children, was inside her home on the morning of Jan. 13 when a fire broke out while she was on break from work, according to the fundraiser. She survived the blaze but suffered burns to about 40% of her body. The fire destroyed her home and car and claimed the lives of three of her cats.

The campaign was created by her son, Landon, who said his mother now faces a long and difficult recovery after spending years caring for others.

“Rachel spent years caring for others. Now she needs our support,” the fundraiser states.

As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign had raised $6,890.

Funds raised through the campaign will go directly to Panos to help cover medical expenses not covered by insurance, temporary housing, replacement of essential belongings and transportation to medical appointments. According to the fundraiser, she has multiple appointments and procedures ahead as part of her recovery.

In an update posted to the campaign, Landon said his mother recently underwent her first surgery, which was successful.

“She had her first surgery and it went well. We’re all relieved,” he wrote.

Landon said the support has meant a great deal to the family but emphasized that the road ahead remains long.

“We still have a long road ahead,” he wrote. “More surgeries, rehab, and figuring out housing and transportation once she’s released.”

The family is encouraging community members who are unable to donate to consider sharing the fundraiser to help broaden its reach.

“Every share brings in people we’d never reach on our own,” Landon said, adding that he plans to post another update once more is known about his mother’s recovery.

Anyone interested in supporting Panos can do so by donating to or sharing the GoFundMe campaign set up in her name.