Altadena Girl Finds Healing After Wildfire Devastation

In the aftermath of the devastating January Los Angeles wildfires, the Eaton Fire particularly impacted the town of Altadena. Among those affected is 10-year-old Ariel Hernandez, a fourth grader whose home was destroyed. "It was 3 a.m., and my grandfather woke me to evacuate. The house was on fire," Ariel recounts. The experience left Ariel with severe anxiety, leading to a hospital visit. Thanks to Sycamores, a non-profit organization in Pasadena, Ariel is receiving crucial mental health therapy. Dr. Jana Lord, Sycamores' Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes the importance of accepting help. "Healing starts with accepting help," Dr. Lord says. Sycamores offers various treatment options for youth mental health conditions, including residential facilities and smaller clinics. While Ariel faces the emotional toll of losing her home and possessions and the trauma of multiple relocations, she is finding support and healing through therapy. Her resilience is a testament to the vital role of community support in times of crisis.