My name is Tammy, mom and mother-in-law to Bree and Ronnie respectively, and GiGi to Lilly (10 yrs old) and Indie Kate (1 yr old). Bree and Ronnie live in Valrico, Florida, just east of Tampa. Where they have bought their first home and have dreams of this being their forever home, where they can raise their two girls. Ronnie, retired after serving in the enlisted Army for 20 years, now works at McDill Air Force base. Bree’s job is that of full-time mom & homeschool teacher to the girls. Lilly, who is Autistic, requires a highly structured routine and truly a 1:1 approach to her schooling. They have found that homeschooling is truly the best place for both of those requirements to be met and for Lily to thrive.

Sadly, Thursday when Milton hit their entire world was turned upside down. All four, plus their fur babies, evacuated as instructed and travelled to stay with her brother in Charleston. This Saturday, Ronnie travelled back home solo with the dogs to assess the damage. The good news was that there was no wind damage to the house. The bad news was that the house was completely flooded, with water in every single room. They have essentially lost anything and everything that touched the floor. Furniture throughout the house, baby furniture (crib, shelving, highchair, etc.), flooring, cabinets, clothing, toys & stuffed animals, books, home school supplies…you name it. It’s all gone. Ronnie has been doing his best to empty the house and move all their belongings to the street. There is still no power, and there is no sewer. And because of the lack of power, the sewer is backed up. Lack of sewer means that they are not supposed to run any water. Which means no working toilets, no showers, no water to clean. No power to get fans going and starting the process of drying out. With nowhere to go, Ronnie sleeps in the car at night with the dogs and is showering at the local YMCA which has been opened to local residents to use.

As heart wrenching as all of this is, this isn’t even the worst of it. When Bree & Ronnie bought their forever home, they were only required to purchase a general homeowner’s policy and an additional policy for wind damage. Flood insurance was not required, as they do not live in a flood zone. And now insurance will not cover any portion of the loss. Essentially, they will need to gut the house and rebuild; new drywall at least 1/4 up every wall in the house, new flooring throughout, all new cabinets, new everything. While also finding affordable temporary housing for a young family of 4, with very specific needs, and animals. Lilly has been asking when they can go home, as she needs her routine and wants to get back to what she knows. Change is not in her vocabulary. She has been told when the power comes back on, but the truth of the reality is, they don’t know how long it will be or where it will be. Helping Lilly with this change alone will be an entirely different need of its own that will also require a great deal of time, patience, and love. All of this is more than Bree and Ronnie can manage on their own right now. I have started this GoFundMe page to help give them and the girls a boost. If you feel so inclined to help in the slightest way, please know that your generosity will help get their lives back to normal sooner than later.

Love,

Gigi