Southwest Connection/Fudge Shop

Lori & Steve McDermott, my sister and brother in law and my neices Alyssa (21) and Kylie (16) were involved in the tragedy of the Ellicott City MD flood on July 30, 2016. They were closing up their store Southwest Connection and Fudge Shop for the night and realized there was water coming in and that it was going to flood. Thankfully, they were all in the store, so they could work together using boards braced against the front door with their bodies to try to keep as much water out as possible. They were terrified as they struggled to hold the door closed against 5 feet of rushing water. My sister sustained multiple cuts on her ankles from holding the board. (The water was so foul that they became infected immediately and had to be treated with antibiotics and shots.) Lori's car  also  was affected  and has suffered water damage  from the flood . Through all of this I am so very thankful that they were all able to make it out safely.

They have had their store on Main Street for 27 years and have built up a lifetime of friends and memories. This tragic  flood has destroyed and devastated  the town of Ellicott City and all  who live  and are merchants there. Southwest Connection and Fudge Shop is their family's main source of income.  They do not know when they will be able to reopen.  

Please share their story with all of your friends and family.  Please also consider supporting them during this difficult time. Any amount you can donate now will be so appreciated and will help tremendously in getting my sister and her family back on their feet and one step closer to restoring not only their business but their hope for the future.