As if things weren’t hard and depressing enough, Vanessa Patterson experienced a tragedy very few people experience in life. Last Thursday, July 1st, Ms. Patterson’s home of 30 years caught fire and was engulfed in flames noted by the San Saba VFD upon their arrival. Her home was located in the 500 block of Lewis Street in San Saba. The origin of the fire is unknown at this time.
Ms. Patterson escaped her home after trying to locate and rescue her small, elderly dog. She was unable to rescue Ollie due to the presence of thick, heavy smoke. Furthermore, Ms. Patterson experienced severe burns on her neck due to the rescue attempt. Sadly, Ollie did not survive the fire.
According to Amber Alcorn, one of Ms. Patterson’s daughters, her mother’s greatest tragedy occurred about three weeks ago when Shawna Pierce, another daughter who was a resident of the local nursing facility, passed away after a brief illness in conjunction with a chronic disability. A memorial and burial arrangements for Shawna are pending.
Ms. Patterson is staying with Amber since her house and its contents are non-salvageable. However, Ms. Patterson is in the process of seeking a rental home or apartment to live in until the possibility of rebuilding or relocating another structure at the Lewis Street site becomes a reality.
Ms. Patterson, who is 74-yearsold, is currently under medical care for her burns. Her daughter explained that the burn is large in circumference - “about the size of a grapefruit” - and antibiotics are part of the treatment along with dressings applied to the wound and changed as needed. In addition, Ms. Patterson has required constant oxygen due to smoke inhalation.
Although she works, Amber also provides direct care and transportation for her mother. Donations of goods and monies are needed for Ms. Patterson due to her overwhelming losses.
According to Amber, her mother would be starting over for many essential items, as well as miscellaneous furnishings. Amber has offered her phone number to the community for those who desire to help her mother and family during their turmoil and trouble.
Please contact Amber Alcorn at 830-481-7906 and she can advise you as to what her mother’s greatest needs include at the moment. According to Larry Hanrahan of the San Saba VFD, the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.