Help Ed & Renee rebuild their lives after the Hurricane

I'm Katie, one of Ed and Renee's daughters. I grew up in Tampa and currently live in the UK. My childhood home, where my parents have lived for the past 37 years, was severely damaged by floodwaters (a mix of sewage and saltwater) that reached up to 3 feet due to Hurricane Helene. Their beloved community on Davis Islands has been devastated by this storm, which brought a life-threatening surge and flooding the likes of which haven’t been seen in the area for over a century. At 74 and 84 years old, this is not something they were prepared for—financially, physically, or emotionally. Financially, this disaster was entirely unexpected. After years of putting it off, Renee finally retired last year, and now on a fixed retirement income, these unforeseen costs were never part of the plan. Most of their belongings have been ruined, and the repairs would be extensive.

The physical demands are also hazardous for Ed and Renee. They can’t lift, pry things open, or move furniture. The heat, sewage, and growing risk of mold make it increasingly unsafe to work in the house. For those unfamiliar with hurricane damage, sewage and saltwater mean everything must be replaced, including drywall, kitchen cabinets, and more. One of their vehicles was destroyed, and they also experienced a small fire caused by an exploding bicycle battery. Sadly, due to the overwhelming costs and lack of available providers in the area, they didn’t have flood insurance, so none of these damages are covered.

Emotionally, the losses of so many cherished items are devastating—photos, letters, artwork, and likely even some macaroni necklace I made as a kid, but to Renee, it was invaluable. If you know Renee, you know how much these things mean to her. Ed may not be quiet as sentimental about possessions, but he even lost his dentures in the storm!

I shudder to think what could have happened had it been a direct hit, or if they didn’t have incredible neighbors with a house built to withstand the floods. They have received incredible support so far. Neighbors, family, friends, and church members have all stepped up to help in any way they can. It’s truly heartwarming to see how people come together during tough times. However, they will need continued support in the weeks and months ahead, once the immediate flurry of assistance slows down.

If you would like to help, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your love, kindness, and generosity as we work through this challenging time to help Renee and Ed rebuild this next chapter of their lives.

Funds will likely go toward: