Donate to Jackie Austin's Healing and Community Efforts

My name is Kate Otto and I am setting up a GoFundMe for my sister-in-law, Jackie Austin. Jackie has been a resident of Asheville, NC for over 36 years. She is plugged into the community. Jackie lost her gig jobs and needs help. She is also dedicated to helping her community recover from this horrific storm.

From Jackie:

It is hard to describe what has happened here, in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. No written words can convey the magnitude of damage from this hurricane.

What is easy to describe is the selfless humans who have come to help. Trucks from Canada and all over the country are here working through the night.

Asheville as a community has always been a super cool network of folks helping each other. This disaster has brought everyone out. We are no longer the neighbor down the road; we are partners in an unimaginable crisis. The compassion, generosity, kindness, and help have been the balm that has kept us all looking forward with hope.

Sweet Kate wants to help me. I am a gig worker. I beat cancer and have taken on multiple jobs so that I can chose my schedule and take time needed to rest. The cancer journey was tough on me, and I am back; however, not the strong bull I once was. Asheville runs on gig work. All my gigs halted the day the storm crushed our town. We are all out of work for an unknown amount of time.

In the middle of the hurricane, I caught Covid for the first time. I had no idea and kept trying to help others. By the time I waved the white flag I was taken by ambulance to the hospital. I can't complain. No one had phone service, water, or power. I had a hospital bed with sweet caretakers cheering me on, water, internet, and power. I had double pneumonia. It took several days to get me off the machines. Once again, the humans who love me and a great team of doctors and nurses brought me back. I came home to my bed, my birds, my great neighbors. No water, but that seems like nothing compared to the surrounding communities.

I feel much better and have been able to go out and help in the community.

If you feel led to help, know every day the only reason I have survived any of these health misadventures is from the LOVE in my life. Yes, I am strong; however, I am only as strong as the ones who have held me up all these years.

This grateful heart thanks you.

I will use the funds to pay my keep, and if there is extra, I will give to my community. I work with rescued horses and dogs.

We hope you will come visit Asheville. The town supports itself on tourism. You won't be disappointed, and we will be so glad you came!

Love and gratitude,

Jackie from beautiful Asheville, NC