We all have those friends, the ones that show up first, stay late, and always manage to be there when you need them. They don't ask for anything in return. That is not why they are there. They are there simply to help you. It does not matter how much time has passed since you have seen them or even how far away you live from them now. If you need them, they will be there in any way they can be for you. I know for me, and for so many of us, Heidi and Chet are those friends.

On the evening of September 27, 2024, Heidi, Chet, their son Gavin, and Heidi's mom were at their home trying to sleep and ride out the storm that was Hurricane Helene. In the middle of the night, they were all woken up when a tree fell through the roof of their loft area above Gavin's room. Luckily, no one was hurt. But the house was now open to the elements, and the rain was still falling. They quickly gathered a few things and their dog and got into the car to try to find a safe and dry place to ride out the rest of the storm. They spent several hours of the night in their car at a gas station that had a generator. The next day, they spent in the parking lot of a local motel waiting to see if they were going to be able to get a room. They could not go home because the roads were not safe.

After spending all day in the parking lot of a motel, they were lucky enough to secure a room. Chet and Gavin have to take turns sleeping in the car as no dogs are allowed in the motel room. Over the next few days, all they could do was wait. Wait for conditions to improve. Wait for the roads to clear. Wait to see the full damage. Wait to see how they can move forward.

They are now faced with the reality that the house they worked so hard to fix up, remodel themselves, and turn into their forever family home is not safe. They are cautiously looking at their options and exploring the various aid/relief options that may be available to them. However, all of these things that they are exploring will take time. Heidi and Chet are the LAST people to ask for help. And let me make this clear, THEY are not asking for help, but help is what they need. What they are going through now will take years to recover from. While we cannot fix this for them, what we can do is help them be able to help themselves. If you are able to give to people that always pay it forward, please consider donating. Any amount will help and be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for reading this. If you can share this, please do. Heidi and Chet just need to get the tree removed safely so that they can start to move forward.

I do hope that this is finding everyone safe and healthy.

Thank you - Lena Andrade