34-year-old cancer patient loses home to fire

A cancer patient aged 34 years and her family lost their home to a fire.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue stated that the fire started last Tuesday. The fire was declared accidental. The stove was engulfed in flames by firefighters.

Andrew Armstrong and his wife Carla, as well as their two children, were not at home at that time.

It’s an eye-opener to see the important things in life. Andrew Armstrong said that although we may have lost everything, we still have each others.”

Smoke inhalation was fatal for the family’s three dogs and three cats. They were able to survive.

“It’s adding another item to the plate, an additional plate we already have. Carla Armstrong said, “It’s terrible. The most tragic part is that our animals died.”

Carla Armstrong has been fighting breast cancer since May. She is in need of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other treatments.

“I have been working and doing other things, but I feel like you feel worse the first few days. Then you start feeling better and then it’s time to get treatment again. Carla said, “You get knocked down.”

Carla and her husband work in healthcare. She works in a laboratory. He is a nurse practitioner and treats COVID-19-related patients.

Andrew Armstrong stated, “We knew with Carla’s diagnosis that we were reminded of what’s most important, and this really kinda drove it home, it can always be worse.”

To help the family pay for medical bills and other costs related to the fire, the community created a GoFundMe page.

It’s overwhelming. Carla said that she doesn’t know how she can reach all those who have donated.

“We are overwhelmed by the kindness, not just the financial support but also the thoughts, prayers and the people who opened their homes to us. It is truly moving. Andrew said that it really meant a lot.