Kathleen's Hurricane Relief Donation Station

My name is Kassandra Pomakis and I am the daughter of Kathleen Pomakis. As some of you know, my mother lives in Naples, Florida which was recently hit with Hurricane Ian, ranking a Catagory 4 storm and one of the top storms to hit the United States in history.

My mom is the strongest woman I know and tends to prepare for the worst in any given situation. It was no surprise to hear about her stock pile of drinking water, an entire drawer filled with tea-light candles, her car sitting in the driveway with a full tank of gas- she was ready for the storm. . Having not been given an evacuation notice created a situation she simply couldn't have prepared herself for.

As the flood water began to reach her waist in her apartment, I recieved the horrifying phone call. I told her to grab an extension cord to connect her and her roomate, and cooler lids for floatation, for she did not have any life vests. I told her to remain calm and pretend it was just a rough day at the ocean on Cape Cod, where she taught me to swim when I was just a baby. We reassured eachother that she was going to be OK, even as we said goodbye as if it were for the last time. She busted through the largest window, freeing herself from the apartment; am act of significant determination, considering that she was also recovering from recent foot surgery. While she was trying to get herself to higher ground in neck deep waters and 90+mph winds, she heard calls from a rescue boat.

Thank goodness she had called for help hours prior, relentlessly may I add, and got on the rescue list. She escaped with her life, which is most important of all, but she lost a majority of what she owned and managed to tear tendons in both of her feet. Not only is she now in a state of immobility but she's lost her car, her home and most everything in it. Kathleen is an extremely caring person who, regardless of where she's at in her life whether it be working, moving or traveling, is always actively helping others and putting people before herself. She rarely, if ever, asks for help. Right now I'm asking for everyone's help, whether she's touched your life in some meaningful way, or your only connection to her is through the emotions you've grown toward her situation you've just read about.

So many have been affected by this natural disaster, And so many will be in need of help in the coming months and even years. I am asking you to help me help just one, someone close to my heart, someone who I love as only a daughter can.

Thank you and take care of each other.

-Kassandra Pomakis