it was breaking news we first frank lally's life and frank, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. >> reporter: yes this is the backdrop for a lot of pain. families trying to put their lives back together tonight. i talked to people who are willing to help. >> everyone here knows the story. it only took four years for a gift to become a curse. somewhere in the flames, a little girl was forever lost. >> it's one of those things that you hold your children tighter. >> grace covers -- they said more by what they did, sticking together. clichi but necessary is anything in this room. a growth spurt among the community. >> reporter: how does it make you feel? >> very tall and awesome. >> reporter: monday night, flames -- crept into the hickory hill apartments. by the time firefighters showed it had grown to this. more than 50 people lost most everything. >> it's beyond words. certainly we want to express our care and compassion. >> reporter: it was compassion by the truckload. even so, it's not enough. these apartments right here not have sprinklers. there will be a vigil for the victim