Luke & Audrey Christen Flood Relief

Hi, I am Amanda Burt, Audrey's younger sister from Missouri.  As you likely have heard, Luke & Audrey Christen had their first child (Arthur) 2.5 weeks early on August 10th.  Arthur is not yet 3 weeks old.  As you also know, Hurricane Harvey came roaring through Texas and is continuing to cause widespread and catastrophic flooding.  Luke and Audrey’s home started to flood late Friday night and the waters rose to 10-12 inches in their home through the night.  The three of them (and their dog Sherman) hunkered down on the high ground of their bed for the night.  Clearly it was a terrifying experience.   They miraculously reached 911 early Saturday morning to request a rescue but were not given any ETA.  Rain and flooding continued and Luke made preparations to build a shelter on their roof.  Can you imagine this with an infant?    Many hours later and being unable to face another night in the dark with rising water they took action.   With some baby supplies and little more than the clothes on their back, they (including their dog Sherman) waded through thigh deep water for several blocks to higher land where they could be picked up by a friend with a truck.  They are currently dry and safe, and have power. 

Update re: scope of their loss, and it is substantial.   Luke and Audrey had flood insurance but the deductible is $10,000.   Water rose in their home such that there is water in their cars (i.e lost), all of their appliances (water heater, washer/dryer, refrigerator, etc.) and HVAC (vents are on floor and ducts under the house) are lost.  Water rose above some of their electrical outlets so the wiring could be compromised.  This is in addition to furniture, clothing, shoes and all sorts of other belongings.  Luke and friends/family are demoing the drywall this weekend to try to control the growth of mold. Raisng this money will help Audrey and Luke meet the deductible for their insurance  in addition to keep the ability to pay the medical bills from the birth of Arthur.  The need is significant for this young family. We made Audrey the beneficiary for this gofundme account so her and Luke can have direct access to your generosity. 

Please consider making a donation of any amount…the need is great and will continue for many months.  If you are not comfortable donating online please feel free to send a check to Jen/Ray Webber or Gary/Mary Beth Christen. Please comment below if you need their contact information. Thank you for your consideration, generosity and for keeping Luke, Audrey and Arthur in your thoughts/prayers.   God Bless.

Luke & Audrey’s Families