Hello, my name is Tom Plummer. I've started this fundraiser for my friend and neighbor Sharon Littrell, a disabled but loving, caring, spiritual woman, mother and grandmother. She has lost everything from the devastating storm surge that occurred with Hurricane Ian on September 28th, 2022.
Her home was completely flooded and their car sumberged while she and her granddaughter, Destiny, were still in their home. Her electric wheelchair motor and battery was damaged from the dirt and debris of the river water as it flooded their home. Circumstances beyond their control did not allow them to evacuate. A flood of this magnitude had never happened before. Indeed, a 100-year storm!
Sharon and Destiny did all they could to survive drowning with the river's flood waters rising several feet into their home while still in it. Trying to save themselves and the animals they love, Sharon rode out the storm with her wheelchair partially submerged in river water up to her waist. Destiny lifted and moved their beloved pets to tables, counters, and any place they could as the flood waters rose higher.
Minutes turned into hours, which felt like days as they endured this tragedy. Slowly the flood waters abated, leaving everything they had to waste. Sharon's home (bought with her and her husband 50 years ago with all the memories and pictures that make a house a home) were lost to the flooding storm surge. Their home is in the process of removing the paneling, drywall and insulation by volunteers. Even the electric wiring must be replaced due to the flooding. Much of these expenses will not be covered and they simply do not have the means to cover these expenses on their own.
Sharon was diagnosed with Polio at the age of 8 years old. She went on to finish high school using leg braces. By the time she entered college scoliosis had set in, now confined to a wheelchair. She later married, became a stepmother and mother, raising her kids and assisting her grandchildren over the years.
Now her granddaughter Destiny assists her and works as a dog groomer to pay their bills. Other friends and loved ones help as they can to assist when called upon. Sharon and Destiny are an inseparable team, being there for each other despite the hardships life throws at them.
The current goal is simply a "start" to help them over the next few months. Due to financial constraints, their home Insurance was setup to cover the value of their mortgage, but cannot replace or repair their home. Even the car insurance is falling short to cover their remaining loan. Insurance as we all know is a calculated financial risk, and this storm caused such a catastrophic loss, that insurance will not be enough to put them back to pre-storm living.
They currently have temporary housing but that too comes at a cost until the long line of insurance documents, inspections and FEMA requests continue on, making them wait. Insurance companies are backlogged and FEMA cannot help until the Insurance is done. The frustration and heartache for them both is difficult for anyone to manage.
Anything you can give, no matter how small of a donation, will go to Sharon for replacement costs of what they need to live off of as they rebuild their home, replace their car, Sharon's wheelchair and the expense to dry out and rewire their home and replace appliances to move back in. Every effort is being made for volunteer labor but building materials, appliances, the basic necessities of life come at a cost.
An insurmountable challenge that can be reached with a little help from everyone. Further updates will come as time progresses. I thank you in advance for your assistance to a loving, spiritual lady, Sharon Littrell.