Five Years After the Fire

YWCA Rebuilds One Brick at a Time

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 16 seconds

“I was just putting in my eye drops when the fire alarm went off. Oh, great. Now I can’t leave,” my wife texted me at 5:41 p.m. I had been at home getting dinner ready. It was September 4, 2019, and Jan had just had her first cataract surgery. We had also received the news that she had lymphoma. My immediate concern was that she couldn’t drive after sunset due to the eye surgery. Both of us initially thought it was a test of the fire alarm system. Within fifteen minutes, she texted again, “We have a fire on the roof. Go ahead and eat something. I am trying to arrange emergency accommodations for families.”

This fire, which started on the roof of the YWCA, was a significant event that would test the resilience and dedication of the YWCA community. The fire not only threatened the physical structure of the YWCA but also disrupted its operations and the lives of its members and staff. The way the YWCA community rallied together in the face of this crisis was genuinely inspiring, a testament to their unwavering dedication and resilience.

Jan and I shared a deep commitment to our jobs and the more significant work of improving the world. Despite my concern for her health, I knew Jan’s dedication remained unwavering. I repeatedly offered my help through text messages, but each time, she responded with a question: “What can you do?” Anxiously, I paced back and forth while continuing to text, determined to assist in any way possible. Then, at 8:12 p.m., her response came: “Could you come and bring my cell phone charger? I am at the YMCA.”

As I entered the YMCA, I witnessed Jan in action, meticulously delegating tasks to ensure everyone had shelter and that the YWCA could continue its essential operations. Despite her long day and health, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride at her unwavering focus and attention to detail, a feeling that I’m sure many of you can relate to when witnessing such dedication.

Several people asked if I was her husband as I moved boxes into the room. I said yes, as it was the highest honor I had ever received. Ana looked exhausted, but when she thanked me for my help, I asked if the server was still in the building. I had not thought about that,” she said as she called the IT consultant, who said it would help if we could get it out of the fire-damaged building. Jan, Ana, a few staff members, and I walked around the corner. Every step of the way, we could smell the acrid smoke. The firefighters allowed Ana and me into the building. As we proceeded up the stairs, I knew the City would condemn the building. Using our phones’ flashlights, we found the server, unplugged it, and moved it out of the building. The dedication of the YWCA staff, even in the face of such adversity, was truly inspiring.

---

Jan demonstrated unwavering dedication to the YWCA, even when facing her mortality. When Dr. Saksena asked her what she would do if she had more time, her immediate response was, “Finish the building.” During that same conversation, Dr. Saksena informed Jan that hospice was the only option for her. Despite this, Jan’s wish to complete the building exemplifies the power of hope and determination. Five years after the fire, Kathryn Lynch, the interim YWCA director, and Patricia Mejia from the YWCA gave my friend Ana and me a building tour. The community’s resilience and the YWCA’s commitment have brought the building project to 97% completion. Jan’s enduring impact lives on, and the progress made is a testament to her steadfast commitment and dedication to the YWCA and the community.