Earlier this month, a fast-moving fire broke out in the Stratford home of Jerry Bowers.
The 1995 Staples grad and his 88-year-old father, Gerald, managed to escape through a side window, with the help of a police officer who happened to pass by. Jerry’s wife Jen was not home at the time.
The fire — caused by an 8-year-old flat-screen television set, and fed by a nearby oxygen tank — destroyed the Bowers’ home, their belongings, and their memories.
But the story gets worse.
Three cats and a dog died in the blaze. Another cat and dog were saved. But the bill from Snowflake Pet Center in Milford was $987.
Jerry’s sister Tammy said the hospital would not let her pay in installments. She called organizations around the state for help. They offered money for electric bills, food vouchers and clothing. But they could not help with pet care. Finally, California based United Animal Nations donated $300.
The rest of the funds came from her father’s ex-wife, who had been saving to buy new garage doors.
The story gets even worse than that.
Two televisions, dozens of video games and several pieces of jewelry — worth $15,000 — were then stolen from the boarded-up, uninhabited home. They were among the few salvageable possessions, left while the Bowers waited for an insurance assessor’s visit.
“You never know what you have until you lose it,” Jerry and Jen say.
Wedding gifts were still in boxes when the fire swept through.
The couple had just used all their savings to remodel their kitchen.
And now, Jerry is out of work.
Friends have set up a page on the GiveForward website to help the Bowerses. In just 3 days many Westporters have rallied around the family, donating money and adding words of encouragement to the website.
Click here to help.
Jeez, no luck but bad luck. I would prefer mailing a check. You got an address, Professor???
For those like the Dude who prefer mail, I got the info on Jerry from a friend of his, Mike Quinn. His email is: mikequinn44@gmail.com — I’m sure he’s happy to help THANKS!
Hi,
My name is Gerald Bowers I grew up in Westport with Dan as a teacher of mine and as a soccer coach for the school. I played baseball myself and graduated from staples. If you would like to help out it would be greatly appreciated because at this point anything big or little helps get us closer to getting something that can make us a little bit whole. My moms address is 74 Jane St. Stratford Ct. 06615. You can mail any checks to Gerald Bowers Jr. I have a hard time asking for things in life but being this down and out you have to swallow your pride and ask for some help!
Thank you for your concern,
Gerald Bowers
Hi Dan,
Thank you for publishing this article it has helped out allot, times are tough right now so any help is is magical! for anyone looking to mail any donations they can mail the to Gerald Bowers Jr. 74 Jane St. Stratford Ct. 06615. Dan it has been a long time but i appreciate you finding it in your heart to do this.
Jerry