On April 5, 2025, at 5:02 PM, a tornado struck my mother’s neighborhood — and in just seconds, it took away so much more than just her car. Here is a before photo minutes before the tornado hit, then after the tornado hit.

4:56pm She went out to get something out of her vehicle.

5:17pm she emerged from the residence to see the damage. Clata worked for years to save up and buy this car. It was her pride and joy — her freedom.

Clata will be 80 this June. She has spent a lifetime helping others — and she has not stopped. She still drives every other day to check on an 87-year-old neighbor who has no family in this state. She takes her to appointments, grocery shops for her, and makes sure she’s cared for. On top of that, she dog-sits for extra income, since her only steady income is $1,400/month in Social Security — which just covers her rent.

Several years ago, after saving every penny, she finally bought her dream car — a used Lexus hybrid. It was reliable, fuel-efficient, and perfect for her needs. She truly believed it would be the last car she would ever need to buy. She was so proud of it. That car represented her independence, her security, and her peace of mind.

Neighbors joined in to clear the parking lot and get the tree off her car. The community comes together when it matters!

When the tornado hit, she took shelter under the stairs in a small cubby. The sound was deafening. Thankfully, she made it out safely — just a little shaken, but not injured. We are so grateful for that.

But the car is gone, and the insurance payout is only a fraction of what is needed to replace it. The HOA will not help, and her renter’s insurance doesn’t cover the damage. At her age, walking and rideshares aren’t sustainable or safe. She still needs to work and care for others.

We are doing everything we can to get her another vehicle — but without help, it could take a while.

We’re asking for $10,000 to help get my mom a reliable used vehicle so she can continue living with dignity and independence — just like she’s always provided for others.

Every donation — every share — brings us closer to getting her back to doing what she loves most: taking care of others.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us love her well.