
When Times Get Tough and We Lose It All – A Story of Resilience and Rebuilding
Life has a way of throwing us curveballs when we least expect it. Some days, it feels like everything is falling apart, like the ground beneath us is shifting in ways we can’t understand. And sometimes, it’s a literal disaster that changes everything. For so many, this is exactly what’s happening in the wake of the fires that have ravaged parts of California.
The fires have left an indelible mark on communities, families, and lives, with many losing everything they worked so hard to build. Homes, belongings, dreams. The devastation is incomprehensible. But in the midst of this loss, a deeper truth emerges: it’s okay to ask for help, and sometimes, those challenges are the very things that shape our next chapter.
The Fires in California 2025 – A Devastation Like No Other
As we’ve all seen, California’s fires have been a force of nature that no one can predict or prepare for. Thousands of acres burned, homes reduced to ash, lives upended in the blink of an eye. The stories of those affected are as varied as they are heartbreaking, but they all share a common thread—loss. People have lost more than just their homes; they’ve lost their livelihoods, their sense of stability, and sometimes, their entire way of life.
One such person whose life was forever changed by the fires is my dear friend and fellow voice actor, Dee Forman. Dee was living in Altadena, CA, when the fire came rushing through, leaving destruction in its wake. Dee had moved to LA nine years ago, chasing his dreams of becoming a working voice actor in the entertainment industry. Over the years, he built a successful career with lead and background roles, and voice acting gigs that showcased his immense talent. He was even nominated for a SOVAS award in 2020 and an OVA nomination in 2022, but that was all gone in the ashes left behind by the fire.
Dee lost everything… His home, his recording equipment, his livelihood. The fire took what he had built from the ground up. But one thing the fire can never take from Dee is his spirit and his talent. Those will stay with him forever. All Dee needs now is a little help getting back on his feet, and we can help him rebuild what the flames took away. His journey isn’t over—it’s just beginning again. And with the strength and resilience he’s shown, there’s no doubt he’ll rise again, stronger than ever!
Starting Over

When the fires came, Dee managed to save just a few precious things—his laptop, his passport, a few changes of clothes. But everything else—his home, his voiceover studio, his microphones, editing software, computers—was destroyed. His personal belongings, the tools he needed to make a living, the life he’d spent nearly a decade building, were all gone.
Imagine that feeling for a moment as an actor. Imagine working so hard for something, then seeing it taken away in an instant. Dee’s situation was not unique and many actors, voiceover artists, filmmakers, and people in every profession were affected by these vicious flames eating everything in their path. For so many who’ve been affected by disasters like this, the impact is overwhelming and often paralyzing. How do you rebuild? Where do you even start? It’s a question that many are asking, unsure of what the future will look like.
In Dee’s case, FEMA denied his application for aid, leaving him with a grueling 90-day wait to appeal the decision. As someone who’s already been through so much, the added financial and emotional stress is enough to make anyone want to give up. But Dee didn’t give up. Instead, like so many others facing similar circumstances, he has had to make the difficult decision to start over from square one. Returning to Colorado, where he grew up, has currently become his only option. It’s humbling, to say the least. But it’s also an incredible reminder of the resilience we all have inside, no matter how painful it may be.
Asking for Help
When times get tough, we often feel alone. We wonder if anyone truly understands what we’re going through and why things are happening the way they are. It’s okay to ask for help. Dee’s journey, like the journey of so many others, is a testament to the power of human connection. Even when the path forward seems unclear, even when all seems lost, we are not in this alone. Which is why I wanted to try help spreading the word about a GoFundMe that was created for Dee by his close friend Ruth Vigil Napoli.
Dee has now reapplied with the Stagehand Union in Denver, taking the first step toward rebuilding his life. It’s a long road ahead, filled with uncertainty, but Dee’s spirit remains unbroken. And for him, and for everyone else who’s been through similar trials, there is a community of people ready to support. It’s in the small acts of kindness, the donations, the messages of encouragement, and the willingness to lend a hand that we find hope.

If you’re able to help Dee, please visit the GoFundMe website and search for “Rebuilding Dee’s Life After Devastating Loss” or “Dee Forman” to make a donation to support his campaign. Even if you can’t support financially, sharing this message to help spread the word in helping Dee get back on his feet would mean so much.
The Road to Rebuilding
Rebuilding after loss—whether that’s losing your home, your belongings, or your sense of security—can feel like an insurmountable challenge. But it is possible. It’s a slow, steady process, and it often takes longer than we expect. But through perseverance, support, and a little bit of grace, we begin to piece things back together.
Dee’s journey is just beginning, and it’s going to take time for him to rebuild both his personal life and his career. But the truth is, resilience is built through adversity. The pain of loss doesn’t go away, but it transforms us in ways that open new doors and allow us to see the world with a fresh perspective. Dee is stronger than he knows, and so are the countless others who have been through similar losses!
To Dee, and All Who Are Struggling:
To my friend Dee, and to all those facing difficult times, know that it’s okay to lean on others. It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to go through this alone. While it may feel like the world is crumbling around you, there are people who care, people who want to help, and a future waiting for you to rebuild in your own time. You are not defined by your circumstances, but by how you rise from them.
Take it one step at a time, and remember that rebuilding isn’t about rushing forward, it’s about giving yourself the space to heal, to grow, and to start fresh. You may have lost everything, but you still have your strength, your spirit, and the possibility of new beginnings.
To everyone who has been affected by the fires in California, and to all those experiencing hardship in their own lives, know that you are in my thoughts. I’m proud of you for continuing on, and I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

Rebuilding Together
Still curious how you can help others in need?
Here’s a list of 5 easy ways you can help someone experiencing loss, especially after events like the California fires:
- Donate Financially – Contribute to fundraising efforts like GoFundMe or local relief funds to help cover immediate needs such as housing, medical care, or rebuilding costs.
- Offer Emotional Support – Sometimes, just being there to listen can make a huge difference. Offer a comforting presence, and let the person know you’re thinking of them.
- Provide Essentials – Donate clothes, food, toiletries, or other basic necessities. Many disaster-stricken individuals often have immediate, tangible needs for survival. For voice actors, maybe you have an old microphone that is collecting dust in the closet that you could donate to help rebuild their studio when they find a place to call home again.
- Volunteer Your Time – If you’re in the area, lend a hand to local shelters or organizations helping fire victims. Even a few hours of your time can provide much-needed assistance in recovery efforts. Team-work always makes the dream work!
- Spread the Word – Help raise awareness by sharing their story (like this one) on social media or with your network. The more people know about the situation, the greater the chance of gathering support.
We’re all in this together.
To Dee, to all the voice actors facing hardship, and to everyone rebuilding their lives, know that you have a community behind you. Together, we will rise, rebuilding what has been lost, and come out stronger on the other side. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to take it one day at a time. And above all, remember: you are not alone.
If you’re able to help Dee, please visit the GoFundMe website and search for “Rebuilding Dee’s Life After Devastating Loss” or “Dee Forman” to make a donation to support his campaign.