Flames Devastate The Ditillo Family Home

Nineteen years ago, Nick and Tara Ditillo moved to a beautiful Cul de Sac in Marlboro to give their children the advantages of a loving community. They were willing to commit to a long commute to enjoy the benefits of suburban living for the well-being of their three children. Macie, now 24, has just taken her Physical Therapy Boards. Tristan, 22, has special needs. He is high functioning. Addison 16 attends Marlboro High School and excels in many team sports. Most neighbors recognize Nick for his wide grin and friendly hello as he walks his dog, Jasmine. On April 24th, they were planning a family vacation and the very next day, an unexplained fire broke out in the backyard shed and quickly ravaged their lovely home and the Ditillo family was left with nothing.

It took three fire departments and several hours to put out the fire. Tara describes their shock and despair. They stood there and watched their house burn to the ground. They found themselves in limbo. They had no home, no clothes, little cash, and had to somehow come to terms with how they would survive until the house was rebuilt. She laughed when she told me that her rebate check from Costco for $250.00 miraculously remained cashable.

It was then that the kindness of neighbors, friends and even strangers gave them hope not only for themselves but in the humanity in all people. She saw love, compassion, generosity and sympathy and it provided strength in this time of distress. Neighbors contributed clothes to the entire family. One neighbor, who she hardly knew, constructed a Go Fund Me Page so they could get by. The page is: Help the Ditillo Family Rebuild After Devastating Fire. Any help they receive will be greatly appreciated. Tara relates a story of a stranger who parked her car and handed her 150 dollars. She hugged Tara and told her how sorry she was and then drove away. She never told her, her name. "I want everyone to know how comforting these acts of kindness have been. It gives me faith."

The road ahead is long and hard. Today, the Ditillo's will be moving to a hotel room until they can find a permanent residence. They need to deal with insurance, permits, and materials and labor and there is no quick fix. Because of the concern of the wonderful people in Monmouth County, they will garner the strength to survive a sea of obstacles.