Last week, my wife and I faced a disaster when our sump pump failed overnight, flooding the downstairs of our split-level home. We've been scrambling to address the damage ever since, but the financial cost is miles beyond what we can handle.

We do have homeowner's insurance but for this specific, uncommon-in-our-area disaster, our coverage is limited and doesn't come close to what we need. Current work to clean, demolish, and treat has already cost far more than we can afford. We are not including our lost items like furniture or my comics collection, of which about a quarter was lost. But to rebuild will likely take even more. As our savings are depleted and we're running out of things to sell, we're turning to our friends and family, and the comics community to see if you can help us. Please don't overextend yourself. If we cannot raise enough funds, we can take out a home equity loan for any difference but if you've seen the current finance rates, you'll know that is an ugly option. We are grateful for any help in this trying time. If by any chance the campaign exceeds the goal, it would be devoted to replacing lost items like Krissy's musical instruments and my comics.

We've already spent so much on plumbers, a pack out team to remove our items that survived and trash what did not, and hiring a specialty demolition company. The last one is most important because they are making sure the water and moisture is removed and the house is treated to remove mold and mildew. The extent of the damage was huge. We had to tear up all flooring on the level, remove two feet of wall from the floors, and demolish a bathtub. This level had a living room where we stored belongings and I used as a studio to edit and livestream, a guest room where our nephew sometimes stays with us, a bathroom, a laundry room, and an HVAC and closets.

Any help is meaningful for us in this trying time. Krissy's long-time job had to shutter last year when government contracts dried up and we've faced some significant medical bills. We have quietly taken steps to address that by selling a vehicle, cancelling our streaming services, and focusing on work and health. But these emergency repairs are beyond what we can afford. Thank you for any help, even if it's words of encouragement or sharing the campaign.