OKC Special Needs Family Displaced By Apartment Fire

An apartment fire forced a metro family with special needs children out of their home. Now, they're desperately trying to find a place to live by Christmas.

Anastasia Merideth, 9, was just adopted by her family in September. She suffers from epilepsy and cerebral palsy, and can't be exposed to even the smell of smoke. Now after last weekend's fire, they're staying in a motel. But hopefully, it won't be for long.

Anastasia's undergoing speech and physical therapy at the JD McCarty Center in Norman.

"She will light up a room with her smile," Laura Merideth said.

Anastasia has severe epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Her parents knew from the beginning she'd need a lot of special care.

"We couldn't stop it then," Merideth says. "We fell in love from day one."

Last weekend, the laundry room next door to their apartment caught fire, forcing them out of their home.

"They lost every stitch of clothing, they lost their furniture," Merideth says, "they lost all their toys, clothes."

The family of 4 has been living in a motel this week, making it especially difficult  for Anastasia with her wheelchair.

"We've been looking for houses and can't seem to find anything in the West Moore district because I don't want to move my 15-year-old out of his high school," Merideth said.

Unfortunately, Anastasia's health is getting worse.

"This is going to be our first Christmas with her, and we don't know if it'll be our last," Merideth said.

That's why their Christmas wish is to find a home they can afford to celebrate the holidays together. Anastasia also requires 16 hours of care a day from a home health nurse right now.

Their 15-year-old son also has special needs, and that's why they're hoping to find a home soon in the West Moore School District. The family is looking for at least a three bedroom home that's easy to get a wheelchair in and out of.

If you know of anything or would like to help, you can get in touch with us at the station, and we'll pass the information along to Anastasia's family.