Help Michael & John Recover from Hurricane Helene

An update from Michael & John:

Dear Family & Friends….we are still unable to live in our home and it’s not clear when we will be. Given that we have never owned a home before, much less struggled with this level of damage, dealing with these insurance companies has been an eye-opening experience. We are on a long waiting list for a FEMA provided furnished trailer that would enable us to live close to our home at no cost until it’s restored. In the meantime, we continue to incur significant out-of-pocket expenses. We are working through the arduous claims process with 3 insurance companies (auto, homeowners, flood). We can’t begin any restoration work or replacing our lost personal property until they settle, and it’s not clear when that will be given all the claims the insurers are processing for Helene and Milton damage. That said, we greatly appreciate everyone’s help with donations and sharing our link to family & friends.

THANK YOU & GOD BLESS!

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Hi...My name is Sue Topel-Samek (formerly LaBue) and I am raising funds for my brother-in-law and his partner, Michael LaBue and John Alan Cooke.

Their home in New Port Richey, FL was inundated by floods caused by Hurricane Helene. The photos above show 6'2" Michael standing in his living room in water higher than his knees, and what were a week ago his beautiful living and dining rooms with hardwood floors. On Friday the water throughout the house and garage was over 3 feet deep.

Everything in the house is ruined...walls, floors, cabinetry, furniture, appliances, all personal property, tools, etc., and their car. We are so grateful they weren't injured, but Michael & John are devastated, and will need help from family and friends to recover. They have insurance, but they will need at least $10,000 to cover deductibles, cleanup, and any uninsured losses.

I am living in FL now too, and thankfully Peter & I were not impacted by Helene. Michael & John are living on their social security benefits at this point and we are pitching in to help where we can...one of those efforts being this fundraiser. If you are able to assist – any amount is deeply appreciated and I can assure you will be put to good use - please click on the Donate button. If you have questions or suggestions for this fund raiser, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact button. XOXOXO