What my brother and sister-in-law thought was just another rainy day changed their lives forever.

Massive rainfall flooded their neighborhood with no warning, and within hours, their home—filled with years of memories, laughter, and love—was underwater. The flood took everything: their home, their car, their furniture, and their sense of safety. Thankfully, the township had rescue boats sent, and they were able to make it out safely, along with their dogs.

In addition to the physical loss, this experience has taken an emotional toll on them. With my brother being a special education teacher and multiple sports coach, and my sister-in-law working with adults with special needs, they are accustomed to putting the needs of others first.

They continue to show up to work despite this tragedy because they know others depend on them.

My sister-in-law still wakes up with panic in her chest, hearing the water rising in her dreams. My brother, always the strong one, is doing everything he can to hold it together while trying to figure out how to start over from zero.

They are safe now—but homeless and overwhelmed. They're currently bouncing around between family members and hotels, sleeping on a borrowed air mattress, and trying to keep their dogs calm while figuring out where to go next.

If you’ve ever loved someone—or a pet—so much that you'd risk your life for them, then you know the kind of courage it took for them to make it out.

I’m creating this GoFundMe to help them rebuild what was lost:

A safe place to live

A vehicle to get to work and appointments

Basic essentials like clothes, food, and supplies

Pet care with a safe and healthy environment

Anything you can give—whether it’s $5, $50, or simply a share—means the world to our family.

Let’s show them that even when the water rises, love rises higher.

With all our hearts,

Massah & Mamie Bassie