Aloha,

I am Tara Webster, cousin to Sydney and Colin and I live on the North Shore of Oahu where we have recently experienced catastrophic flooding.

A few nights ago, Sydney and Colin woke to a sound no one expects — and within minutes, their home on the North Shore of Oahu was filling with foul floodwater mixed with sewage.

They moved as fast as they could — unplugging what they could, lifting belongings, shutting off power, and grabbing their cats — but the water kept rising. By the time they escaped, it was already up to their knees, and outside it had reached the hood of their car.

When they returned, it was even higher — still pushing up through the floors and walls.

In a matter of minutes, their home — a place that was supposed to be safe — was changed completely.

They are incredibly grateful to be safe, together, and not facing this alone. Both have survived life-altering events in the past — Colin a shark attack, and Sydney the Boston Marathon bombing — and while this feels overwhelming, they know they will get through it one step at a time.

But the road ahead is long. They now face cleanup, temporary housing, replacing Colin’s car which flooded, possible long term damage to Sydney’s car and replacing what cannot be saved.

They never expected to ask for help, but after many loved ones reached out, this page was created on their behalf.

If you feel moved to support them, any contribution will go directly toward helping them rebuild their lives.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and for reminding them they are not alone.

With love and gratitude,

Family and Friends of Sydney and Colin