(WWJ) There's an fundraiser underway to help the mother and surviving siblings of two children who died tragically in a Christmas Day fire on Detroit's east side.
The GoFundMe account for Demika Pinson had already raised more than $17,000, as of Monday evening.
Two of her children, 6-year-old Damarion Wheeler and his brother, 7-year-old De'Lon, were killed in the fire at their home on Helen Street near Outer Driver and Van Dyke. Two other siblings, an 8-year-old girl and a 10-year-old, suffered severe burns and remain in critical condition at Children's Hospital.
Pinson said she's devastated by the loss of her two boys, but thankful to God that her other children are alive.
"Because if I would've lost all four, then what? Then what? Where would I be?" Pinson told WWJ's Jon Hewett.
"To wake up on Christmas, you think you're about to get gifts and games, something for my kids. And then they lose their brothers, they lose their house, they lose everything."
Investigators say the fire was accidental, but no official cause has yet been determined. There were space heaters in the home at the time, officials said.
A message posted on the GoFundMe page set up by Pinson's sister, reads:
"Words can't express the pain our family has endured this year my sister house caught fire this morning 12/25/2020 unfortunately she loss two of her children in the fire. Demika and her other 3 children are in the hospital recovering from the fire. Two of the children has 3rd degree burns due to this fire on Christmas Day Demika has lost everything we are asking if anyone can donate anything to her and her children that would help her out I know 20/20 have been a horrible year for everyone and also PLEASE say a prayer for our family at the terrible time."
Those interested can make a donation at this link.
