An Oklahoma ICU nurse has been left homeless over the holidays after her home burned down while working to treat patients with COVID-19.
Tina Irwin was working a 12-hour shift at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City when her neighbor called to tell her her house was on fire, according to KOCO News 5.
Three of the single mother’s four children were at home when the fire started, the dam reported.
“I had my daughter … the terrifying cry. I’ve never heard a scream like this, “Irwin told KOCO 5.
“The flames were … I couldn’t believe it. I’m a single mom and I just walked up and it’s all over. “
Irwin was able to retrieve some memories, including photographs and his daughter’s graduation cap.
Among the items recovered was also the firefighter movie “Ladder 49,” which Irwin said was ironic.
Fortunately, Irwin’s son was able to drive his sisters and pets to safety and no one in the family was injured.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Meanwhile, community members and welcomeers have donated about $ 20,000 to the family on a GoFundMe page.
“They will need the basics needed for the next couple of weeks, but if we could bless their family financially, any amount would help as long as they collected the pieces, especially during this holiday season,” the fundraising plan says.
In a post on Facebook, Irwin thanked his neighbors for coming to his helper and said he is trying to stay positive.
“I am receiving so many texts and publications with words of encouragement and offers to help much needed. I want each and every one of you to know what this means for our family … I woke up this morning praying it was just a nightmare, but when I opened my eyes it became surreal. I immediately realized that the baby’s footsteps were all I could do. We’re safe, warm, together and food to eat, we’re off to a good start, ”the message says.
Irwin has been working in the hospital for 12 hours since the start of the pandemic.