We had the pleasure of getting to know a beautiful family on our recent trip to Jamaica. Tiffany and her family have always welcomed others with warmth and kindness, sharing stories about their lives in Jamaica and their dreams for the future. When we visited Jamaica, we became close friends, spending hours talking about family, favorite places on the island, and the challenges of traveling abroad. 
 
 
 Recently, Tiffany, her 4-year-old daughter, her mother, uncle, grandfather, and sister lost everything when hurricane Melissa struck their community. Tiffany held her crying little girl during the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa as it tore off their roof, shredded their rental property and rendered their home unlivable. She messaged me, “Jo this was so traumatizing I swear I was going to die, I never in my life want to experience this again, it was in Jamaica over 13 hours. My windows were burst open, the breeze and water just damaged everything I was cold and wet, had to hug my daughter as she cried all day and night.” 
 
 
 Her family is from an area much closer to Black River, where the eye wall first came ashore. She stayed in contact with me via Facebook messenger during the storm until the afternoon it hit. We lost touch for a few days and when she resurfaced, she recounted the terror of living through a category 4 or 5 hurricane with her little girl in her arms. She told me everything they’ve lost, and expressed how scared she was that she couldn’t get in touch with her family southwest of her who were hit the hardest. Luckily, she’s heard from them, now, but their two homes were destroyed, and the family is now struggling to meet even their most basic needs. 
 
 
 Tiffany lost her job at a local resort, which has been closed indefinitely due to the storm. The family is searching for food, affordable shelter, and essentials like beds and fans. Medical needs add to their hardship—her mom requires insulin, and her sister, a nurse, is working hard to source whatever she can find. She knows I adored being there and we have a special love for Jamaica, now. She said, “Jo you would definitely cry if you could see it, now.” 
 
 
 This fundraiser is a way to help Tiffany’s family survive and rebuild while their community recovers. Your support will provide food, shelter, and medical care for three generations who have lost everything. Every contribution will help them hang on until the infrastructure is restored and they can begin to rebuild their lives. Thank you so much in advance for your generosity.

Kathy Wannemuehler

Mary Meyer

Meredith Glantz

Help Tiffany’s Family Rebuild After Hurricane

Still $23,450 to go. Help us build momentum.