I never imagined starting 2026 by asking for help, but after a sudden flood destroyed half my home and small business, I don’t have another choice.

What a way to end 2025 and begin 2026.

Early Monday morning, I woke up and stepped into a soaking wet carpet. Water was spilling out of my toilet and had already spread through the hallway, bedroom, and office. I tried shutting off the water at the toilet valve, but it didn’t work.

When I ran downstairs to the laundry room, water was literally raining through the ceiling—onto my baking equipment, freezer, oven, dehydrators, trays, boxes, and supplies. I immediately called a plumber, who rushed over to help locate the main shutoff.

I’m on a well and septic system, and with all the heavy rain, snow, and freezing/unfreezing temperatures, the septic tank couldn’t handle the pressure. After visits from a plumber, septic company, and restoration company, I learned that the pipes are severely corroded and need to be replaced.

The total cost of repairs and restoration is around $25,000. Insurance will likely only cover a small portion of that.

Because of the flooding, I lost most of my clothes (I had just been sorting them), carpet, flooring, ceiling drywall, and a large amount of important business paperwork. I also wasn’t able to work for a full week, which made the situation even more overwhelming. I’m now spending my days cleaning, organizing, and trying to put everything back together.

Through all of this, Poppy and Tulip have been incredibly anxious with the constant people coming in and out, equipment running, fans blowing, and their kennel being moved. They’ve stayed glued to my side, and honestly, I’ve needed them just as much as they’ve needed me.

I truly didn’t want to ask for help, but right now, I need it. Any donation—no matter the amount—or even just sharing this page would mean more to me than I can express. Your kindness will help me rebuild my home, replace essential equipment, and get back to work.

How the Funds Will Be Used

Donations will help cover the unexpected costs caused by this flooding, including:

Plumbing repairs & pipe replacement (corroded pipes that caused the failure)

Septic system repairs due to overflow from extreme weather conditions

Water damage restoration (drying, cleanup, mold prevention)

Replacement of damaged flooring, carpet, and ceiling drywall

Replacement or repair of baking and business equipment affected by water damage

Lost income from being unable to work for over a week

Replacement of essential personal items, including clothing and destroyed paperwork

Every dollar raised will go directly toward rebuilding my home, restoring my small business, and helping me get back on my feet after this devastating event.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, caring, and supporting me during this incredibly difficult time.

Tricia Hansen

Treat Diva