On Friday, June 6, 2025, a massive 70-foot pine tree fell on the Gaithersburg home of 17-year-old Ronnie Rodgers and his family in an unforeseen act of nature. Ronnie, a junior in high school, lives with his mother– the sole caregiver for him and his 8-year-old sister– and this catastrophic event has left their home unsafe and uninhabitable. The community has raised over $2,000 to support the family, with efforts ongoing through a
GoFundMe fundraiser
.
The fallen tree has not only caused significant structural damage, but has also disrupted the family’s daily life. With no renter’s insurance in place, Ronnie’s mom now faces overwhelming unexpected expenses as they scramble to secure a safe place to live. The heartbreak of losing the stability of their home is compounded by the urgency to find alternative accommodations, such as temporary hotel stays, until a new rental property is secured.
Ronnie shared, “We are asking for help as our home is now unsafe and not able to be lived in, and unfortunately, my mom doesn’t have renter’s insurance, so all of these unexpected expenses have been really tough.” His heartfelt plea underscores the urgency and the emotional toll of the situation.
Ronnie concludes with a message of gratitude: “Any blessings, no matter how big or small, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless.” The GoFundMe fundraiser can be
seen here
.
