Infectious Smile Grows through the Generous Donors of the Help LA Fund

May 8, 2025

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min read

Everything familiar to the Neiman family was gone in an instant. Their family home and their spiritual home, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, were both destroyed in the Palisades Fire, which swept through Los Angeles County in January 2025. Among the ashes and rubble, 17-year-old Ciaran lost her wheelchair, special lift, bathing chair and custom orthotics, each one vital to her movement and quality of life.

Donor support through The Orange Catholic Foundation’s (OCF) Help LA Fund made it possible for Shannon and Doug to fully replace their daughter’s lift. “Your generosity has made a world of difference in easing these burdens and helping us focus on her well-being. While life for us will never be the same, we are hopeful that, with your grant, we can begin to rebuild our lives,” Shannon shared while exuberating joy with remarkable strength.

Neiman family is grateful for the support they received from the Help LA Fund. — The Neiman family is grateful for the support they received from the Help LA Fund, which covered the cost of replacing a special lift for Ciaran.

For the Neiman family, it’s much more than getting new equipment —the real impact is seen in Ciaran’s infectious smile. Shannon exclaimed, “She is a fighter. I believe she was put on this earth to inspire.”

Shortly after Ciaran was baptized at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, the Neiman family saw the Lord’s protection and provision unfold in their lives. At the age of two, Ciaran fell ill with an E. Coli infection, which came with a slew of complications and a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegia. Though doctors feared the worst, Ciaran has grown to become a young lady who radiates warmth and enjoys being with people.

In the face of the Palisades Fire, Shannon was determined to keep Ciaran’s smile from fading: “I wanted to get the people I loved out of there.” Aware of the extra time it would take for her family to leave the neighborhood, she picked up her son, Kellan, from school and made sure they were among the first to evacuate.

When they were able to return to their property, the only thing left standing was the burned frame of Ciaran’s wheelchair. The reality of losing everything was heartbreaking, especially when Ciaran’s caregiving needs were already on the rise and the shift to full-time home care was in progress.

Charred wheelchair found after the Palisades Fire — Among the ashes of their once-familiar street, the Neiman family found Ciaran's charred wheelchair—one of the few remnants left by the Palisades Fire.

Just when things felt most uncertain, the Help LA Fund grant provided exactly what was needed—equipping the family with the specialized lift that helps Ciaran get out of bed and greet each day with her cheerful smile. With deep gratitude, Shannon thanked every donor and OCF for “the money and time” that went into helping “our family through our most difficult time.”

With the leadership of Bishop Kevin W. Vann, the Help LA Fund was established by OCF to bridge the gap for hundreds of families as they find new jobs, look for new housing and get back on their feet after the devastating wildfires. By directly working with parishes in Los Angeles County, OCF has been able to send out aid to hundreds of families and individuals from Altadena and the Pacific Palisades.

The Neiman family is not alone; for many, the path to restoration is only starting. If you or someone you know experienced loss in the LA wildfires, Help LA Fund grant applications can be submitted through your parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. If you are interested in offering hope to those who have lost so much, click here to donate now or contact OCF at 714.282.3021 or info@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org to learn how your appreciated assets can turn into a lifeline of hope.