DDH_ICONS Wildfire

Burning down the house – how losing everything can set you free: Andi O’Conor

You’re gonna learn so much from this, and it’s going to be amazing.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Users: Please text or call using your preferred Relay provider. For more resources, click here.

For Spanish: Call or text and press “2”. For more resources, click here.

Para Español: Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 1-800-985-5990 y oprima el número 2. Para más recursos, haga clic aquí.

As a 12 year old, Andi O’Conor’s home burned to the ground while she was attending a slumber party. Her family recovered and found themselves collecting more experiences than things. But then, 40 years later, her mountain home burned to the ground from a wildfire while she was on vacation 1,500 miles away. Despite losing everything twice, Andi has emerged from her experiences with a deep appreciation for the kindness and generosity of both her friends and complete strangers. She started a blog, “Burning Down the House”, to share her recovery story.

DDH_ICONS Boston Marathon bombings

Boston Marathon One Year Later: Stories of Creative Expression and Resilience

I was called to write a song that victims of trauma could relate to.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Users: Please text or call using your preferred Relay provider. For more resources, click here.

For Spanish: Call or text and press “2”. For more resources, click here.

Para Español: Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 1-800-985-5990 y oprima el número 2. Para más recursos, haga clic aquí.

A year after the Boston Marathon bombing, victims and witnesses of the violence have found healing through artistic expression. Two musicians and two visual artists channeled their talents into healing their own trauma as well as the collective recovery of their community. Expressing the deep grief of their community while trying to reach for hope has helped them move a little closer to feeling whole again.