Community members are coming together to support Grayson Roberts, a Southern California boy who is blind due to a rare eye disease, after his family lost their home in the Eaton Fire.
The wildfire started on January 7th and eventually endangered the home of 10-year-old Grayson Roberts. His family recalled the moment they realized something was very wrong.
“The sky was red. This is not normal,” said Grayson’s mother, Terrika Roberts.
Grayson’s older brother, Gavin Roberts, 16, was the first to notice the smell of smoke.
“When I walked out the door, the fire was right there. You could see it from the mountain, and it was blowing right at the house,” Gavin recalled.
“The wind was blowing, so I knew I had to go,” Terica said.
Terrika Roberts and Grayson Roberts spoke to KTLA on January 17, 2025. The Roberts’ home in Altadena was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (Roberts Family) Grayson Roberts checks a KTLA photojournalist’s camera on January 17, 2025. (KTLA) Ten-year-old Grayson Roberts has a rare genetic eye disease that ultimately causes blindness. (KTLA) On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire invades the Roberts family’s Altadena home. (Roberts Family) Photos posted on the GoFundMe page show the Roberts family helping rebuild. (GoFundMe)
With minutes left to escape, Terica and her three sons grabbed everything they could and fled the house to safety. The next day they found the house burnt down.
Grayson, who is passionate about music and raising awareness for other visually impaired children, lost all of his instruments along with his Braille learning materials.
“Grayson was born blind. He has aniridia, which is a chromosomal defect that prevents his eyes from fully developing. That’s basically what causes it. And he has glaucoma. ” explained the terrier.
Terika says it has been an incredibly difficult time, but the family is grateful for each other and Grayson’s unwavering optimism as they navigate the long road to recovery.
“While staying at my uncle’s house, I told everyone that when life gives you lemons, when your house burns down, make lemonade. To the people of Altadena. Our Let’s rebuild our community and make it better and bigger,” Grayson said.
The Eaton Fire destroyed more than 5,700 structures, including many homes, according to CalFire.
A GoFundMe page to support the Roberts family can be found here. You can also find fundraising efforts here to help families rebuild.
