Help Abby and Chris Rebuild Their Home After Two Hurricanes

I’m reaching out with a heavy heart, asking for help for two of the most incredible people I know, my dear friends Abby and Chris, who’ve lost their home in Florida after back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton.

On September 26th, Hurricane Helene made landfall on Florida’s west coast, followed just days later by Hurricane Milton. The impact was unimaginable. The storms brought fierce winds and a relentless surge of water, pushing two feet of floodwater into Abby and Chris’s little home—leaving everything ruined. They had hoped it could be saved, but after weeks of inspections, the county declared their home a total loss. Now, they’re faced with having to knock down the place they’ve built their lives in and start from scratch.

Abby and Chris are lifelong Floridians and have weathered hurricanes before, but nothing prepared them for this. Their insurance, though a blessing, won’t cover even half the cost of rebuilding to meet new floodplain standards. They’re now left without a home, and the financial gap is overwhelming.

I’m reaching out because Abby and Chris are two of the kindest, most selfless people I’ve ever known. Abby has been my rock since the day we met in college. When I moved from Sweden to Florida, she and her family welcomed me with open arms, making me feel at home thousands of miles away. From Thanksgiving dinners to beach days and even a summer together in Sweden, she’s become like family. And in my own hardest moments, she showed me just how incredible she is.

In March 2020, as COVID hit, I was stranded in the UK with no way to return to my home in the U.S. Abby didn’t hesitate for a second—she stepped in and packed up my apartment, sorted through my belongings, sold my car, and shipped everything across the world. She took care of me when I couldn’t do it myself, without ever asking for anything in return. That’s who she is—a friend who goes above and beyond.

Now, Abby and Chris need support. They’re facing not only the loss of their home but also the daunting task of rebuilding with limited resources. Every donation, no matter the size, will help them start anew and bring back some hope and stability after such loss.

Please join me in supporting Abby, Chris, and their beloved dog, Tilly, as they navigate this difficult time. Together, we can help them rebuild not only their home but also the sense of security they’ve lost. Thank you for any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing their story.

Let’s help these amazing people find their footing again.

About the Fundraiser

My name is Johanna Andersson and I'm from Sweden, currently living in London. I'm fundraising on behalf of my best friend, Abigail Sanchez, whose home was destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in September and October this year. All funds raised here will go directly towards helping Abby and her partner, Chris, rebuild their home in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

How the Funds Will Be Used