Skagit Valley College basketball team helps teammate after family loses everything in house fire

Community rallies behind teammate after fire

A community rallies behind a teammate whose family lost their home in a fire.

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. - Francis Gyan’s family lost everything in a Renton apartment fire two days after Christmas. The fire took the only home they’ve known since moving to the U.S. 20 years ago.

Gyan's Skagit Valley College basketball family has stepped up to help their teammate and his family in their time of need.

"We just all rallied. Our whole school here at Skagit, really, to get the word out with that. To help him that way," said SVC men's basketball head coach Carl Howell. "The basketball community has been unbelievable. Coaches in our league reached out to me, wanted to know what they could do."

A GoFundMe has been started for the family. As of Feb. 2, it raised $24,367of its $45,000 goal.

The funds raised so far have allowed the family of six to have a roof over their heads, according to the fundraiser's organizer.

"I think one thing about athletics is there’s a lot of loyalty that way. I wasn’t surprised by the outpouring for Francis and his family, because that’s how I’ve always seen it in athletics," said Howell.

The family now has moved into a new home, but if you'd still like to help you can learn more about donating here.