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Investigators: Candles caused fire that seriously injured 8-month-old

Posted at 5:34 PM, Aug 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-23 06:45:38-04

It's been just more than a week since a fast moving fire tore through a Gough Street home in Eastwood.  Baltimore Fire Officials now say burning candles sparked the flames.        

RELATED: Baby seriously injured in Gough Street fire

Eight-month-old Viviana was trapped in an upstairs bedroom. Crews rescued the baby and revived her, but damage had already been done. Monday, family received devastating news.

"They're saying that her chances of recovery are slim to none basically, that they're saying that she's not going to recover from the brain injuries she sustained due to the lack of oxygen," Joe Poremski, Viviana’s grandfather said.

Mom Erika Poremski tells us she feels helpless, but isn't giving up hope. Loved ones are leaning on each other and faith to get them through.                      

"That's basically what we're asking for the most is prayers, we're asking for that one small miracle that god can help us with," Joe said.

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While hundreds of people are sending prayers, just as many are helping in other ways.

Monday night, a fundraiser was held at the Sea Horse Inn in Dundalk, turning a usually slow Monday night into a packed house.

"We're just hoping, you know, it will raise money for medical bills or to get them back up on their feet, whatever they need,” said Manager Madeline Vandommelen.

Multiple raffles were held, bracelets saying VivStrong were sold, and 15 percent of all sales from 6 p.m. until close will be donated to Erika and Viviana.

"Any time there's a tragedy, people turn out, everybody down this area, when we had Isabel everybody helped everybody, now you have another tragedy in this area, everybody is gonna help,” John Romecki said.

A heartwarming turnout for a family going through a nightmare, wishing little Viviana would wake up and smile one more time.

"I just want to say thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart,” Joe said.  “Every time I think about the generosity I just get choked up to see how much people are willing to give and just do for a total stranger."

A Go Fund Me page started last week also has more than $39,000 donated, and Icy Delight's in Edgemere is collecting clothing and household items for Erika and Viv.

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