Altadena family breaks ground on new home, aiming to rebuild 1 year after house burned in Eaton Fire

ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- An Altadena family has been breaking ground on a new home after their previous one burned down in the Eaton Fire.

"This is a day the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it," said Cassandra Sellers, whose house was destroyed in the fire. She, her 85-year-old mother Beulah and her brother escaped with just the clothes on their backs and left behind the home where three generations had built a life for more than 60 years.

Contractors say that it will take about eight months to rebuild the home, and the family is overjoyed.

Their teacher says experiencing Broadway will inspire his students as performers and remind them that even after the fires, people are still supporting them and helping make their dreams come true.

"This is going to be something that is going to serve as a reminder that we can and are going to rebuild, and there is hope," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

While Cassandra is currently battling Hodgkin's lymphoma and congestive heart failure, those who know her say her spirit has never wavered. Instead of anger or blame, she's choosing gratitude - and looking ahead.

"I'm grateful to God that I'm healthier now, and I just took my PET scan and CT scan Monday, so hopefully everything is still cancer-free," said Sellers.

The Sellers family has deep roots in Altadena. Cassandra's parents were among just three Black families who moved here from the South in the 1960s -- drawn by a community known for welcoming African American families at a time when many places did not.

The family is encouraging others in need of rebuilding to keep the faith.