The Russo family of Poplar Grove, Illinois, is reeling after back-to-back tragedies. On July 8, their home was engulfed in flames just after midnight. Carli Russo rushed to get her children — 14-year-old Payton and 10-year-old J.J. — and husband John, who was in a wheelchair, to safety with help from neighbors.
Just a day later, on July 9, John Russo passed away from cancer at 49. He had been receiving home hospice care for three months.
“It was so fast-growing, there was nothing they could do,” Carli shared.
Now homeless and heartbroken, the family is staying at a hotel in nearby Rockford, trying to rebuild their lives in the wake of unimaginable loss.
