My name is John Van Eyk, and most of you know me and my family. I was asked to put this GoFundMe together for my cousin Shaun Freese and his family. Western North Carolina was devastated this last week by record flooding and rainfall. Almost everyone knows of someone whose life was changed on Friday, September 27, 2024, as flood waters washed away homes, memories, and dreams. My cousin and his family live near the French Broad River. The river did not damage his house, but the rains did. His basement is filled with water from the saturated ground. Wind damaged his roof, allowing water to flow into his home as the rain poured for hours. The house is a total loss and cannot be lived in. It was built in the 1920s, and the water damage caused the plaster ceilings to collapse. They have lost most of their belongings and are now trying to figure out what to do next. They did NOT have insurance. I have never seen my cousin cry, but it was heartbreaking to hear his voice crack tonight as he tried to find hope and a way forward in this dark time.

Shaun has never asked for anything but allowed me to put this GoFundMe together for him and his family.

We would all be grateful if you could give. If you can't give financially but can help in other ways, please let me know.

Thank you so much.