When Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica, my sister Amy Laskin’s home in the Blue Mountains of St. Andrew Parish was badly damaged. The strong winds and heavy rain tore apart her porch, knocked down trees, and washed out her driveway so much that it’s almost unusable.

The tree roots broke her sewage pipe, causing sewage to leak into the front yard. The porch railings and floorboards were destroyed, leaving dangerous holes. The moisture and fallen trees led to a termite infestation that now needs to be treated right away. The broken sewage pipe needs urgent repair.

Amy was fortunate that the inside of her home wasn’t seriously damaged, and she feels extreme gratitude that the damage wasn’t worse.

Amy has always been someone who creates beauty and gives back — her home in the Blue Mountains wasn’t just a place to live, it was a sanctuary of art, creativity, and love. Seeing it in ruins has been heartbreaking.

We are raising funds to help Amy repair her porch, her septic system, the driveway and deal with the termite infestation, to restore the safety and comfort of her home. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help her begin to rebuild and recover from this devastating storm.

If you know Amy, you know her kindness, strength, and spirit. She has faced this loss with courage, but she cannot do it alone. Please consider donating — and if you can’t give financially, sharing this page would mean the world.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping my sister find stability and hope again after this unimaginable hardship.

With gratitude,

Suzie Laskin