DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - A Broward County community has come forward to help one of their own after a fire ripped through her Davie home.
Diana Willour is well-known in her neighborhood and is said to always be willing to help, but on Thursday others are returning the favor.
Flames engulfed her house, located along Southwest 74th Avenue and Orange Drive, early Wednesday morning.
She not only lost material possessions, but her dog also died in the fire. She had inherited the pet from her sister after she passed away last year.
“Well, I’m devastated because I’m always helping everyone else, and it’s very hard for me to accept things from people, and I appreciate everything that anyone’s done,” Willour said.
Willour lived in the house for 41 years with her adult son, who has mental illness. She also cares for five children.
Neighbors set up a GoFundMe page to help Willour with expenses after finding out she did not have insurance and has no money to rebuild.
“You know, it’s hard enough she’s retired, and she’s doing everything on her own, and she helps everybody no matter what,” Virginia Reasoner, one of the neighbors, said. “She never says no. She helps all the kids in the neighborhood.”
As of Thursday afternoon, over $12,000 had been raised for their model neighbor.
Her selflessness continued after the fire, seemingly more concerned about taking one of her neighbors to the doctor and another to a hair appointment.
“I have to continue doing everything that I do,” Willour said. “Other people still need help.”
A restoration company has also donated their services to help Willour clear her destroyed home.
“I believe in, the way I serve God is to pay it forward,” Juan Matos, an employee of the restoration company, said. “We call this, in our industry, a total loss. The reason for that is because the flames have gone through the ceiling, through the roof, so there’s actually a gaping hole.”
The company will gut the house, tarp the roof and get it ready for pre-construction.
Mato said there will be challenges, but he hopes that the GoFundMe page set up by Willour’s neighbors will continue to grow so that they can see the project through for the woman who truly deserves it.
Willour said she is beyond grateful for all the help she has received.
“Just warn everybody when something happens with you, like I’ve always done my whole life, always give to somebody else,” Willour said. “You know, you never know when you may need help, and now everyone is helping me, and I very much appreciate everything anyone’s done and donated.”
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