The Marshall Fire, a devastating wind-driven wildfire, tore through a suburban community northwest of Denver, Colorado, on the eve of 2021’s end. The blaze swiftly consumed neighborhoods, leaving many residents in shock and despair. Among those affected was Melanie Glover, who faced the harrowing experience of being stuck in traffic while her husband and children were trapped in their burning home. Despite drawing on past experiences to endure, Glover found the trauma overwhelming. Weeks passed before the initial shock gave way to a deeper emotional struggle. However, she discovered a path to healing by channeling her pain into rebuilding efforts and sharing her journey with others.
Glover attributed her newfound purpose to the concept of "pain into purpose," introduced to her by yoga teacher and activist Seane Corn. These words inspired her to help others facing similar challenges. Her efforts found a wider audience when Julie DiBiase launched a Facebook group, "From the Mountains to the Beach," aimed at connecting Marshall Fire victims with those affected by wildfires in California. The group quickly expanded to over 1,400 members, serving as a platform for survivor-to-survivor advice.
“The group I created is really intended to be a survivor-to-survivor advice group,” – Julie DiBiase
DiBiase's initiative highlighted the importance of shared experiences in offering support and guidance. Her group provided a unique perspective that went beyond traditional resource lists available for disaster victims.
“There are a zillion lists out there where you can go get information about different resources for people who have experienced loss; but there’s something different and unique to having gone through it and really understanding others.” – Julie DiBiase
Anna Ballou, another Marshall Fire survivor, voiced concerns shared by many about the potential health risks posed by toxic remnants from the fire.
“We’re all afraid of the toxicity and how it could affect our health,” – Anna Ballou
Ballou also addressed the challenges faced by renters with homes left intact but still affected by the fires.
“I do think that people who are renting with intact homes is an awkward category. You’re at somebody else’s mercy. You have to live at that home, and they don’t.” – Anna Ballou
Despite these challenges, the experiences of Marshall Fire survivors have equipped them with valuable knowledge that they now share with others.
“but because of [the Marshall Fire survivors], we’re much more educated about what steps to take.” – Anna Ballou
Kate Adams Barnett, another fire survivor, emphasized the difficulties of making decisions that impact one's family, especially children's health.
“It’s really hard when you have kids and you’re the decisionmaker and their health is at risk,” – Kate Adams Barnett
Barnett found solace in connecting with other survivors who had been through similar ordeals.
“She actually gave me a lot of hope and courage and told me to reach out to her anytime. She’d been through exactly what I was going through.” – Kate Adams Barnett
In parallel with DiBiase's efforts, Meryl Suissa initiated a similar Facebook group tailored for California wildfire survivors. Suissa's role extends beyond providing advice; she compiles resources and reflects on past successes and failures from her own experience three years ago.
“The most important takeaways I have from falling into disaster recovery, and the main thing we have all learned over the past three years and what I am hoping to impart on to those affected by the California fires is that the majority of recovery comes from the people, the community,” – Meryl Suissa
Suissa is also exploring innovative solutions for rebuilding efforts in fire-prone areas. Her research focuses on adapting Earth homes to comply with California-specific building regulations, potentially offering safer housing options for future generations.
Seane Corn's philosophy resonated deeply with Glover and others impacted by wildfires.
“find your pain, and you find your purpose in life” – Seane Corn
Glover echoed this sentiment as she transformed her own suffering into a mission to support others on their path to recovery.
“Her words were, ‘find your pain, and you find your purpose in life,’” – Melanie Glover