Livermore Rallies Behind 4X Cancer Survivor Who Lost Home In Fire

LIVERMORE, CA — "Big" Reg Nicolay stepped out on the morning of Friday, March 6 to get a blood test at the hospital. The next time he returned to his mobile home in the 820 block of Sundial Circle, it was completely destroyed.

Firefighters were fortunately able to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby homes about 20 feet on either side of his home. Officials are unsure of how the fire started, but think it could have been ignited by a cigarette butt found tossed in his front garden, said daughter-in-law Nicole Nicolay.

Now Reg Nicolay's daily routine looks a little different. The four-time cancer survivor who loves reading Kindle books and watching the Weather Channel and sports is living in a hotel, waiting for the chance to return to a mobile home, Nicole Nicolay said.

Her father-in-law must replace his home, furniture, hearing aids, glasses, Kindle and other items, she said. Nicole Nicolay started an online crowdfunding campaign via GoFundMe to help him replace his items and afford housing in the meantime.

"Big Reg" wants to stay in the Sunrise Mobile Home Park, close to family and surrounded by friends, Nicole Nicolay said. His family hopes insurance will cover most of the expenses, but does not think it will be enough to cover all he has lost.

Community members have raised nearly $9,000 since the day of the fire to help him. His family is seeking $25,000 to cover the losses.

"This is a great family in our neighboring Livermore community," one donor wrote. "Please help."

Nicole Nicolay said in an email that the community "has been incredible and we are so grateful."

View the fundraising campaign for Big Reg here.

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