Friend seeks help for Annandale fire victim

Deveri White has launched a fundraising drive to support her friend and coworker, Catherine “Kitty” Dragonera, who was injured in a fire at her apartment in Annandale in the early morning of Nov. 23.

The fire totally destroyed Kitty and her husband Matthew’s apartment at 4925 Americana Drive, and they lost everything.

They were taken to MedStar Washington Hospital in D.C., where Kitty was treated for burns on her face.

White put up a GoFundMe page to raise funds so the couple can take care of their medical expenses, replace their possessions, find a new place to live, and get back on their feet.

Related story: Two hurt in Annandale apartment fire

According to Deveri, Kitty was woken up by the smell of smoke. She found the carpet in the living room was on fire. The fire was rapidly spreading and blocking the front door. She woke up her husband and pulled him onto the balcony.

She then went back inside to look for her cat but wasn’t able to find it. “Unfortunately, her beloved cat did not make it out of the fire,” Deveri says.

Kitty was discharged from the hospital on Nov. 25 and she and Matthew are staying with friends.

“Kitty is extremely generous, very kind,” White says. “To have this happen, and so close to the holidays, is devastating.”