West Orange Family Puts Out Plea For Help After Devastating Fire

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It was a Sunday when Nadia Starbinski woke up to a call that nobody ever wants to hear.

Recently, Starbinski launched a GoFundMe campaign after a devastating fire left the family of nine without a home earlier this month. The fire also claimed the life of their cat, Blu.

The West Orange community has responded to the plea. As of Tuesday, the campaign has raised more than $13,500 from over 200 donors. See the campaign or make a donation here.

Starbinski wrote about the fire – and the current needs of the family – on the fundraising page:

“Hi, my name is Nadia Starbinski, and on October 3, 2021, I woke up to a phone call no one ever wants to get regarding their family.

“In the very early hours of that Sunday, the Starbinski family home in West Orange was quickly engulfed in flames after a fire started on the third floor while the family slept. Through the grace of God, our brother Luke awoke and was able to warn and get his family out quickly. Unfortunately, he could not save Blu, he and his wife's cat.

“While virtually everyone was able to escape the fire unscathed, there is a long road ahead for the family of nine. The house has been declared condemned and all four of my siblings, their significant others, pets, parents, and our 91-year-old grandmother have all been displaced. Most of whom have lost absolutely everything, especially those who’s bedrooms were located on the third floor.

“Our grandmother, who has been released from the hospital only a week prior, requires a lot of medical attention and weekly nursing staff which further complicates this situation.

“While working to find sufficient temporary housing large enough to home the family, various friends and family have stepped in to provide a roof over their heads in the meantime. I am asking on behalf of my affected family for any donations to help them with the replacement of clothing, toiletries and funds to support them through this transitional period. The financial burden of having to replace even the most basic of necessities for a large family is overwhelming.

“While nothing will replace the memories made in our childhood home or the priceless items lost, we are thankful for each other, God and our community. Any little bit helps. God bless.”

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