A mother shielded her daughter from the flames during a South Jersey apartment fire that claimed the life of the girl's father, according to a family member.
The fire started shortly before 3 a.m. on December 3 at the Blackwood Falls Apartment complex in Blackwood, New Jersey. Officials say it was mostly contained to the second-floor where a man, identified by family members as Glenn Hands, 57, was with Donna Day, 50, and their daughter Condoleeza Hands, 11.
Glenn Hands died from his injuries while Donna and Condoleeza were taken to the hospital. During the fire, Donna saved her daughter's life, according to her daughter-in-law Carmen Day.
"Donna was found crouched over her daughter, protecting and shielding her from the fire," Carmen Day said. "She is truly a hero that saved both of their lives."
The mother and daughter continue to recover nearly a week after the fire. Condoleeza, who suffered second-degree burns to the face and hands, is now breathing on her own after being on a breathing machine. Donna, who also suffered second-degree burns to the face, arms and hands, is expected to be off her breathing machine within a day, according to Carmen Day. Condoleeza is expected to make a full recovery and doctors are hopeful Donna will fully recover as well.
A GoFundMe page was created to help the family with funeral and medical expenses and to also help replace items lost during the fire.
"Our prayer is that we can raise enough money to find them a new home," Carmen Day said. "We appreciate the love and support received during this difficult time."
This is the second tragedy Carmen Day has dealt with within the past two years. Her father drowned in the Delaware River in 2015.
