Young Lakewood Family
Helped by Red Cross
Following Natural Gas Explosion
 

A young Lakewood family was helped by the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter following a natural gas explosion that destroyed their home on Wednesday, April 2, 2008.

Kristine Manues and her baby boy, Jadyn, are lucky to be alive. The mother and her little boy were walking home from the bus stop that afternoon unaware of the possibility of any danger. As they walked up to their front doorstep, Kristine said she thought she smelled natural gas in the air.

While Kristine was at her neighbors calling the police, her home suddenly exploded and became engulfed in flames. The explosion was so powerful that it knocked the home off its foundation and shook the entire neighborhood. According to investigators, the incident appears to be a case of arson and domestic violence.

“I lost everything I had and I don’t have anything anymore," expressed Kristine in disbelief.

Just five minutes earlier, Kristine had been at the doorstep of her home with her son in her arms and ready to unlock the door. Thankfully, her intuition told her that something was not right so she left. She shudders to think of what might have been.

Everything happened so suddenly, it took Kristine a while to try and comprehend what had happened to her. She is grateful that the Red Cross and its volunteers were by her side during this ordeal.

Red Cross volunteers helped provide temporary shelter, food, clothing, toiletries, and handmade quilts for the young mother and infant traumatized by the experience.

“Now I can replace some of the clothing, food, toys, formula, and buy diapers for Jadyn,” said Kristine.

Kristine never expected to be in this situation much less helped by the Red Cross.  When she’s back on her feet, the young mother is determined to eventually make a donation to the Red Cross. She wants to help others families like herself who find themselves left with nothing following a disaster.

Her sister, Krystal Manues, is relieved that Kristine and Jadyn are safe and thankful for the generosity of others. She said, “When someone takes everything you own, it’s comforting to know that there is a place like the Red Cross and people willing to help.”
 

 For more information, contact the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter:

(253) 474-0400 Pierce County / (360) 352-8575 Thurston-Mason Counties

(360) 748-4607 Lewis County / (360) 241-2341 Grays Harbor Counties