An Illinois family has been devastated after two tragedies struck their home within 24 hours.
On Tuesday, July 8, the Russo family was forced to flee their Poplar Grove home when a fire was found after midnight. Hours later, on Wednesday morning, John Russo, the family patriarch, died of cancer at the age of 49, according to WIFR and WWNY.
John, who had two children with his wife, Carli Russo: 14-year-old Payton and 10-year-old J.J., had left the family’s blazing house in his wheelchair the day before his death. After losing everything, the Russo family sought refuge at a Rockford motel.
According to the publications, John had been receiving home hospice care for three months before the event.
“[I] slammed the door shut, came running in the house screaming for the kids to get out, and got my husband in the wheelchair and was able to get him out and across the street with some help from some neighbors,” Carli told WIFR about the incident.
According to the family, the fire started in the garage and quickly spread to the entire front of the house. Firefighters apparently stated that the severe damage might make determining the source of the fire difficult.
“Right now they’re telling us it’s a complete loss,” Carli told WIFR.
The Russo family had months of sorrow before the home fire. On April 30, John went to the emergency department with stomach discomfort. According to the site, the visit prompted a series of hospital consultations before he was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer.
“It was so fast-growing, there was nothing they could do,” Carli told WIFR.
A coworker put up a GoFundMe campaign to aid the family while he was being treated for cancer, as John was the primary provider.
“Outside of work, John’s world revolves around his wife and children,” the campaign description said. “Whether he was at a softball game for his daughter, fixing his project car, or lending a hand to a neighbor, John has always been the one people could count on.”
Carli, who died on July 9, noted that her husband “would do anything for anybody,” according to WWNY.
Her sister-in-law started a second GoFundMe to aid the family. As of Friday, July 11, the campaign has raised more than $24,000.
“Carli got her kids (14 and 10) out, along with John and their family dog, safely, minutes before the entire house was engulfed in flames,” according to the fundraiser’s description. “They lost everything when they could have been spending time with their family.
“We’re asking our community, friends, and compassionate strangers for help,” the description said. “Every dollar raised will go directly toward helping the Russo family secure temporary housing, replace essential items, and begin the long process of recovery.”