Turning Loss Into Love: A Personal Story by Daniel Shemtob

Losing everything in an instant isn't something you ever think will happen to you. But on a late night in the Pacific Palisades, with smoke filling the sky and flames threatening our community, my wife and I evacuated our home and found ourselves face-to-face with the unimaginable. We came back to find that the home we had built, the place we planned to bring our first child into the world, was gone. The weight of that moment, the uncertainty of what would come next, and the realization of how fragile life can be is something I will carry forever.

But amidst the ashes of our loss, something beautiful began to emerge: a call to action, a need to transform despair into purpose. There was no time to wallow. People needed help. Families needed food. Communities needed hope. And I knew I had to do something.

That's when I reached out to Chef José Andrés and his team at World Central Kitchen, an organization I've long admired for their work bringing meals to those in crisis. They welcomed me with open arms, and before I knew it, I was part of a larger mission—one that extended far beyond my own grief. Tyler Florence, an incredible ally and friend, joined the effort, rallying chefs and resources to make an even bigger impact. Together, we showed up for people who had lost everything, just like me.

Cooking has always been my way of connecting with others. It's how I show love, how I express gratitude, how I create memories. So, it felt natural to lean on that passion to give back. Whether it was serving meals to first responders or offering warm plates to displaced families, every act of service became a way to heal. Not just for them, but for me, too.

The experience reminded me why I started The Lime Truck in the first place. Food is more than just sustenance. It's comfort. It's community. It's a universal language that says, "I see you. You're not alone." In those days of crisis, I saw how powerful a meal could be in restoring hope—one plate at a time.

My wife and I are still rebuilding, both literally and emotionally. But through it all, we've learned that even in the darkest moments, there's an opportunity to create light. Giving back wasn't just the right thing to do; it was the only thing to do. And in doing so, we've found a deeper sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to serving others, whether through The Lime Truck or in our personal lives.

If there's one thing I hope you take away from this story, it's that loss doesn't have to define you. What you choose to do next is what truly matters. For me, turning loss into love wasn't just a choice—it was a necessity. And I'm grateful every day for the chance to give back, to stand alongside inspiring chefs like José Andrés and Tyler Florence, and to use what I've built to make a difference.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. Your kindness, your encouragement, and your belief in the power of community have meant the world. Let's keep turning loss into love, together. <3