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Wheelchair Bound Woman Loses Everything To Fire

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By Kimberly Curth Weekend Anchor / Reporter

M50o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Wheelchair Bound Woman Loses Everything To Fire

Published: Mon, June 02, 2008 - 8:52 pm

Kimberly Curth

A wheelchair bound woman lost everything she had when fire destroyed her home. It happened Saturday afternoon on Edwards Street in Mobile. Now, Carolyn Edwards will have to start over at 62. But, she doesn't know how she'll do it. She says she has no money and no insurance. "I had 6 dollars and fifty cents and it was in my shoe, thank God," said Edwards, "when Katrina came along, the insurance was so high. I had to cancel the insurance, homeowners insurance, cancelled it, because I couldn't, with my income, I couldn't afford it." As bad as it is, Edwards says she's thankful she and her grandchildren and Godchildren were able to make it out that day o.k. Edwards believes her 7-year-old grandson accidentally started the fire Saturday. Mobile Fire-Rescue confirms the little boy admitted to playing with matches and setting the bed and curtains on fire. We're also told the fire caused 20-thousand dollars in damage.

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Ms. Edwards is my Godmother. She continues to need the community’s assistance. She is currently living in a home that is not handicap accessible. It is very difficult for her to get in and out of the home as it sits on a steep hill without a driveway and the only way for her to get into the house is by climbing steep stairs. It was an enormous task to get her in the house and she has had to cancel several important appointments because of the difficulty faced in getting back inside the home. This posses a serious safety risk for my Godmother. The home where she currently resides does not have adequate space as there are 3 bedrooms to accommodate 7 people. My Godmother’s wish is to have her own home back. I am making a personal cry out to the community for support. A fund has been setup for her at Wachovia Bank sponsored by MDAR Propety Management, LLC. Please reference this account when calling to make donations. Please email me at for additional information.

Posted by rhinda34 on 07/20/08 - 2:21 pm • Report Abuse

I was just at Ms. Edwards’ house last Thursday and Friday and was just told about the fire today. It is so sad for her, she really is one of the nicest (and most grateful) women I have ever met. If you are really willing to help her out, my co-workers are taking up donations. Please email me at and I would be more than willing to pick up donations for Ms. Edwards. I will also see if I can get another group to build the wheelchair ramp, but I need to know where her new address is. I know her daughter lived really close to her...is this where she will be staying?

Posted by smw1981 on 06/05/08 - 8:28 pm • Report Abuse

Ms. Edwards is the nicest lady!!I took her essentials yesterday.

She is in desperate need of a ramp to be built at her new temporary residence before she can move in. Someone has provided her a home until she can have her house rebuilt.

I am appealing to anyone in the community that could help her.

Posted by AEMINDaphne on 06/04/08 - 12:34 pm • Report Abuse

I too would love to know how to help this woman out. I know there has to be someone who has some information or way of getting information. Even if it is nothing but a local fire station that we could drop off or send donations to for this family. Help us WKRG help this nice lady.

Posted by mustuknow on 06/03/08 - 9:25 pm • Report Abuse

Amen. If there is someone who can post the families needs-such as clothing sizes, I will be glad to help what I can. There was a link on one of the forum threads for circumstances such as this, called ?grapevine-can WKRG help me find it? Basically it was Christian based, where people posted their needs, or items to give away and where located. Perhaps we can network and help this family?

Posted by rmseek1234 on 06/03/08 - 7:56 pm • Report Abuse

Now here is a true victim. Here is a woman who needs help and is willing to do whatever she can to help herself and her grandchildren and godchildren. She is not blaming the government for her problems, she is asking for help from her community. People like this who are willing to help themselves are what America was founded on. God Speed to Ms. Edwards and her family. Maybe just maybe some of the generous people of Mobile will step up and help her out. I hope that the Red Cross and Salvation Army have extended a hand to this lady. You know there is a lot to be said that she had her grandchildren and godchildren and was caring for them and she is wheelchair bound. Again, she is trying. Take Notes People.

Posted by mustuknow on 06/02/08 - 9:46 pm • Report Abuse