As the Palisades fire grew closer, former Guam resident Davarene May Guzman wasn't about to take any chances and packed up her three daughters and fled to safety with a friend from Sacramento.

Drawing from her island upbringing and values instilled by her family to make a difference, she's stepped up to support firefighters and those who've lost everything. 

“It’s such a humbling moment. It's a reminder to be grateful for everything that we have. At our home there was a time wanting more and planning ahead for the future, we never really looked at what we have around us at that present moment. It was such a humbling moment for me,” said Guzman. 

Guzman recalled the moment she along with her three daughters were able to step back into their home in Los Angeles but days before was a different story, with their home in the path of the Palisades fire.

“The fire started on the 7th and then on the 8th  was when we woke up we looked out our window, oh my gosh, we saw the fire and the smoke, I was like panic mode, I packed up my kids and I was like we're not gonna wait around, we're not gonna hope that we're gonna be okay, so i packed up my girls and we headed north to Sacramento to my best friend,” added Guzman.

Although safe, it was an emotional time for Guzman, especially explaining for her girls.

“They were pretty sad, we got in our little circle and cried it out, we were hugging one another and I told them as long as we have each other, that's all that matters. Everything can be replaced,” she added. 

When they got word they were able to return to home, it was a bittersweet moment because while elated their home was spared, others were not as fortunate.

“That night I got online and started doing monetary donations first was with the fire department, because we are just so grateful for all their efforts, we then went to Salvation Army, GoFundMe accounts, we just started sending our love to so many families and those that helped to protect our home,” she said. 

The next days were full of cooking and prepping meals for the firefighters and gathering items they can donate to the relief centers.

“It’s shattering to know many have lost a lot,” she said. 

Guzman said one thing that was beautiful to see was the people of LA rallying together.

“It reminds me so much of home and Guam. So much love and when things happen we come together. Being raised by my parents they always taught us if you ever get that opportunity to help people especially in a time of need to do so,” she said. 

Guzman encourages you to consider donating to any of the following as many have a long road of recovery ahead of them.

“If you have that opportunity to help in any way that you can, do so because there's so much going on here. Sending that bit of love really does go a long way, it really does,” said Guzman. 

And speaking of love, Guzman truly felt an enormous amount of it throughout it all.

“Sending your messages, we love you all. We're so grateful for you guys, just thank you. We really appreciate you all,” added Guzman.