Help Rebuild My Parents Lives After Natural Disaster

As Western North Carolina and the world around us try to be patient and rebuild our beloved area, I know everyone is affected at this time. My heart goes out to our beautiful Appalachian home and all of our loved ones.

My parents, Jaime & Lisa Friedman are both retired and have spent their entire lives saving to purchase their dream home in WNC.

Helene took it all from from them.

Friday morning they awoke to their power going out and within seconds, they experienced 5 rapid bomb like sounds within their home.

The earth above their home gave way and part of the mountain pushed both of their vehicles into their kitchen and living room.

Trapped in the house, with no way out, electrical wires exposed, generator powering a portion of the house, water everywhere, gas lines leaking and two vehicles full of gasoline and diesel in their home, they felt this was their end.

First responders were en route when my Mom and Jamie reached out to all of the kids to tell us how much they loved us.

Without saying it, I knew this was them telling us goodbye.

Thank God first responders were able to reach them in 30 minutes. It was the longest 30 minutes of our lives.

They ensured the water outside of their window was not electrified, four courageous first responding souls got my parents out of their window and shuttled them in a military vehicle to a shelter at Ingles.

I cannot thank those four souls enough for saving my parents’ lives.

We’ve never had to ask for help before, so this isn’t easy for me to do.

But I am asking, they can’t do this alone.

If you are financially able to contribute please help my parents. The smallest amount of money for water, clothes, food and most importantly survival as they try to rebuild their lives. They left their home with 8-10 kitchen trash bags full of clothes.

Once roadways were cleared enough to travel, a friend took my parents in as the entire area was out of power.

They have applied to FEMA, which could take some time, but having lost everything, it won’t be enough.

You are probably asking why doesn’t insurance cover them? Homeowner insurance polices exclude most earth movement including earthquakes and landslides. Their insurance has already denied their claim.

100% of funds donated will go to Jamie, Lisa and their 17 year old Chihuahua, Bella.

Thank you for taking the time to read and acknowledge this page. Stay patient, stay kind and please help WNC get restored in any way you can. I know one day we will come together stronger and better than we could have imagined. Stay safe and let’s continue to be there for one another. Love ❤️