My name is Ginny Abee, I live in Raleigh, NC, and I want to tell you about Sarah and Tim Bolick Sheehan. Sarah Is my niece (my husband's sister's daughter). She is a beautiful person with a radiant, infectious smile. She's the kind of person who just makes you feel good to be around. I didn't meet her husband, Tim until their wedding in 2018, but he is exactly the kind of person Sarah would choose for her partner! Tim and Sarah have lived in their home in Black Mountain for 6 years. Tim is a high school science teacher, and Sarah is a mental health counselor in Asheville. Sarah is uncertain when she will be able to return to work because many of her patients have evacuated the area. Bumcombe County Schools are closed indefinitely.

Tim, Sarah and their three-year-old toddler went to sleep on Thursday night, September 26 aware of Hurricane Helene's potential path, but never guessing the impact it would have on their lives. They were awakened by a loud noise and discovered that part of a tree next to their house had broken off. They moved to the bottom floor for the rest of the night just to be safe. Around 6:30 Friday morning, they were awoken by another huge boom. They ran upstairs to find that trees had fallen on their house and had come through their kitchen. Water was pouring into their house because of the heavy rains from the hurricane.

For now they continue to rough it as best they can, still without power and water. They are making good use of their camping equipment and a small generator to keep food safe and filter creek water for drinking. They have been told that their power probably won't be restored for a couple more weeks, and they probably won't have water for another 8 weeks.

Repairs to their home will be extensive as the damage affected the entire main part of the house. It is uncertain if they will be able to live in their house for much of the time that it undergoes repairs or if they will have to try to find somewhere else to live.

Those of you who know Tim and Sarah know their kind, giving hearts; and you know that they are far more likely to be found helping others than asking anyone for help. Even as they are dealing with the shock and uncertainty of their own losses, Sarah is concerned for those around her who have lost everything. I know that she and Tim will be a blessing to their community as they serve others who are dealing with this devastation. Your donations will be used to help them find security, rebuild their home and bring the stability to their lives that they will need for the work that lies ahead. Their family thanks you for your love, support and generosity.