Help Granny Rebuild the Only Home She’s Known After Hurricane Helene

My heart is broken as I write this. My grandmother, Marianne Freibott—affectionately known as “Granny” to so many—is facing a devastating loss after Hurricane Helene ravaged her beloved home in Treasure Island, Florida. The storm brought almost 4 feet of storm surge flooding into her home, leaving it severely damaged and destroying nearly everything inside.

Granny and my late grandfather, Edwin ("Pop-Pop"), moved from Roseland, New Jersey, to this small, tight-knit community back in 1995. For nearly 30 years, this house has been their safe haven—our family’s holiday gathering place, a space filled with cherished memories, laughter, and so much love. Edwin, Pop-Pop, passed away in 2007, and since then, Granny has poured every ounce of her heart into meticulously maintaining their home on her own. It’s more than just a house to her—it’s her last tie to him, and the thought of losing it now is truly shattering.

With rising costs making it harder for seniors to stay in their homes, 2023 was the last year that she could afford flood insurance. When Helene’s storm surge came rushing in, it brought not just water and filth, but unimaginable heartbreak. As I stood beside her, assessing the damage, I could see the devastation in her eyes—the same eyes that have always been full of light, resilience, strength and love. Now, all her walls and insulation up to 4 feet high have to be ripped out and rebuilt. Her entire electrical system needs to be replaced. The pool she’s kept pristine over the years has to be drained and repaired. And then there are her treasured belongings—the photographs, keepsakes, and memorabilia spanning generations, every piece of furniture, her beloved golf clubs, clothing, appliances—everything she spent a lifetime building is gone.

Even worse, FEMA has denied her request for help. So now, at 82 years old, Granny is left to rebuild alone. This burden is too much for her to carry, and it breaks my heart to see her, so strong and independent, facing this without support. That’s why I’m reaching out for help. Please, if you can find it in your heart to contribute—even the smallest amount—it would mean the world to her. You won’t just be helping restore a home; you’ll be giving hope back to someone who’s lost almost everything. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering, and for helping us keep Granny’s spirit—and her home—alive!

I am Casey, Marianne's Granddaughter. I too have been displaced and lost most belongings due to Hurricane Helene and am only able to help Granny's situation with my own two hands, besides creating this Go Fund Me. If you feel compelled to help the recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, to help an incredibly kind-hearted and loving woman, or to simply put a smile on someone's face today, we sincerely ask that you consider donating to Marianne's cause. Any amount means the absolute world to Marianne and her tight-knit family! 100% of the money raised will go to Marianne Freibott to rebuild her life and home.