Fran Has Spent a Lifetime Caring for Everyone — Now She Needs Us

Please help me help my mom.

Melissa struck on October 28, and the headlines have already moved on — but for my mom in Black River, the aftermath is still her daily reality.

My name is Adrian Jackson, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart on behalf of my mom, Fran. I live in Naples, Florida, and I'm doing everything i can from here to support her as she starts over.

For decades, she has cared for children in Black River — giving parents peace of mind while they

worked, and looking after elderly neighbors whose own families were away.

She has always put others first.

When the storm hit, everything changed.

Hurricane Melissa — the strongest storm in recorded history — tore through the town, destroying her home and virtually all her belongings.

In a few hours, she lost both her home and her business.

With the community shattered, her clients can’t work, leaving her with no immediate way to earn a

living.

This is the first time in her life she cannot support herself — or others.

She is safe, but she has nothing to rebuild with. The town’s limited resources must go toward restoring basic infrastructure, so her landlord cannot make the home livable now.

She has no choice but to relocate and start over. My mom wants only to find a safe place for my sister and herself, and a chance to rebuild their lives. In her own words: “I have to try to be positive, since I am still crying periodically. Sometimes I break down, and sometimes I swallow my tears. But I am encouraged by the way people are coping. And our faith community serves as a tower of strength for us.”

During this season of giving, this $6,500 fundraiser will help my mom meet her basic needs and

begin again:

• Temporary housing

• Food and daily essentials

• A bed, clothing, and basic furnishings

• Child-care supplies to someday reopen her business

• A refrigerator

• Support for my sister’s nursing-school tuition

My mother has spent her life giving — generosity, love, and support. And she just needs a hand to get on her feet again.

If you can help even a little, it truly makes a difference.

If you’re unable to donate, please share her story — that helps more than you know.

Quick FAQ

What happened?

Hurricane Melissa destroyed my mom’s home and belongings.

Why can’t she return home?

The town must restore basic infrastructure first, so her landlord cannot repair the home yet.

Did she lose her job too?

Yes. Her child-care business operated from her home.

How will donations help?

They will cover temporary housing, food, essentials, a bed, child-care supplies, a refrigerator, and my sister’s nursing tuition.

Can I help without donating?

Yes — sharing the fundraiser helps tremendously.

Thank you for helping me help my mom.

Your kindness means more to our family than words can express.

With deep gratitude,

Adrian Jackson