Help Lance and Diane Rebuild After Back-to-Back Hurricanes

Travis Bjorklund is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hey, my name is Travis, and I’m reaching out to gather support for my dad, Lance, and his girlfriend of 12 years, Diane. They’ve just experienced unimaginable loss. For over a decade, they’ve lived in Madeira Beach, FL - Diane and Lance’s happy place.

He originally moved there to be with his mom, my Grandma, Trudy, the brightest soul anyone ever knew. She filled every room she entered with light and love, but we lost her to cancer a few years back.

Since then, Madeira Beach became more than just a home for my dad and Diane; it became their sanctuary, filled with memories of family and sunsets by the water.

But now, that life has been ripped away.

When Hurricane Helene tore through their area, it was as if their home was tossed into a washing machine from hell. Their house, cars, motorcycles, and everything they owned—gone. They stood helpless as the place that once brought them so much peace and joy was completely destroyed.

What made it worse? They were already struggling financially. Both had just started new jobs, but with no place to stay and no possessions left, they had to give them up. The storm left the entire community devastated, and finding any kind of shelter was impossible.

Just as they were trying to pick up the pieces, Hurricane Milton, predicted to be a Category 5 storm, is barreling toward the exact same area - in what will be the first landfall since 1921. After losing so much already, Lance and Diane had no choice but to leave. They packed whatever little they had left, gathered their two cats, and set off for Wisconsin to stay with my sister. They may never return to Florida. The place they called home, their happy place, might be lost forever.

I’m asking for your help to support them through this heartbreaking and unimaginable loss. Any donation - whether it’s to help them rebuild in Wisconsin or return to Florida when they’re ready - would mean the world. Your kindness will help them pick up the pieces and find some hope in this difficult time.

How the Money Will Be Spent:

Temporary Housing: Assistance with securing a stable place to stay while they rebuild their lives.
Basic Essentials: Replacement of everyday necessities such as clothing, toiletries, and household items.
Transportation: Funds to repair or replace vehicles lost in the storm, ensuring they can commute and stay mobile.
Pet Care: Covering the costs associated with the care of their two beloved cats.
Rebuilding Efforts: Support for either starting fresh in Wisconsin or returning to Florida to rebuild, depending on their long-term decision.
Mental Health Support: Assistance with any counseling or therapy they may need after experiencing the trauma of losing everything.