On Tuesday morning, after a severe ice storm swept through our area, we woke up to a nightmare. Sewage waste water began pouring through our plumbing (showers, baths, and toilets) because of a sewer blockage from the local water treatment company. Within minutes, every room in our one-story home was covered in hazardous waste. Sewage water is a biohazard, so anything touching the ground was lost. We lost all our furniture, countless belongings, and, most heartbreakingly, our children’s favorite toys and keepsakes. Our son Cooper is 3, and our daughter Ava is 5. Seeing them lose the things they’ve cherished since they were babies has been incredibly hard.

Even though this has been a devastating experience, we realize how blessed we are that our family is healthy and safe. At first, I thought we would be okay because my family is together, and I was sure our insurance would help us recover. Unfortunately, we’ve learned that our policy does not cover sewage backup, so we cannot make a claim for any of our lost items. We’ve moved into a one-room apartment while we search for a new home, but the financial burden is overwhelming.

Donations will help us get back on our feet by covering meals (since we don’t have a kitchen or cookware), down payment help for a home or temporary rental, and helping our kids feel settled again with their own space and some of their lost items. Your support will also help us replace basic furniture and cover moving and storage costs for anything we can salvage. We are deeply grateful for any help as we work to rebuild and give our children a sense of stability again.