UPDATE: As many of you know Michelle's husband Jeff passed away this past June. Now she has lost her house (twice) and her husband. We are sending this back out in hopes of helping Michelle raise enough money to keep the house that she had lined up before Jeff passed away. Without his income she is not able to get the loan she had planned for. Fema will only pay about $120,000, and thanks to other generous local programs, like Mountain Projects, all but $25,000- $30,000 for the house is covered. Michelle is currently in a camper alone. With winter coming we need to get her out of the camper and into a home! We need help raising these fund so that Michelle can move into the home that she deserves after losing her home twice and then her husband.

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

We ask for your help for an extraordinary woman: Michelle. Michelle’s house flooded for the 2nd time, during Helene. On June 11 th of this year she Lost her Husband Jeff suddenly. Michelle has faced challenges that most of us can’t begin to imagine, but her resilience and selflessness continue to inspire everyone around her. Before her husband passed they were in process of getting a home through Homes For Hope and now she is navigating many layers of trauma while also losing Jeff’s income and now she needs help paying towards this home that she deserves. Michelle is so grateful for all her community has done to support her after both floods. She need $30,000 more in order to make this house hers!!

Below is a recent article highlighting her story:

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.themountaineer.com%2Fhurricane-helene%2Fwritten-in-water-one-year-later-helene-victims-share-their-stories%2Farticle_9c44de3e-0d6c-4773-a5d0-c7d91117e54f.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR4nD64NE1GtuOHl1ChmXFvePieR0cySrv0Ko0M6N2K7aSBagu8Givrf2jCsoA_aem_20bV_agxi40uAmoaCAKwwQ&h=AT1PMszomtxG7bBtPw0kGDfcJN3fNKtMv8tE_BpT-L7cJC9IwoA3Hce9Y2QNfvO0YJmKaqIcCwvRwy9v-IvRLJ3i-Arv3NEXg9U5sltfWjRrygWAbHhua1FuTPROfPjjBlisFpVT4YHiAnRHqC0&__tn__=%2CmH-y-R&c[0]=AT2rNGbP0XIzWWqdVCvd4IJ_jPCqIA9boDdLiXHGGAmbbs6DqQ9iGf8HkdYi0rDKkkn3B0iKUALGNBQ7cm7eLNjauxUOVI9VQexrfspZgXyk_wwGqjSTqM6Du7kP2RtQy7k5Jy0q6jQWfAaRUjkZVdi5BxkZh0NSfNuGVCMOVin0HluuFhcTDA_f2cEXJnNyljsGmG_98IoHui6HhwU2qg_HGVvMS7hbSKkiaosLnPu3dcrU

Meet Michelle:

Michelle is one of the most compassionate people our community has ever know. She is the first person that shows up when her friends, family or community needs her. Michelle attained her paramedic degree and is a long time healthcare professional who has served WNC for many years. She has slept on the ICU floor when her friends son was intubated, showed up for countless emergencies always willing to help, cared for many patients at Davita Dialysis Waynesville, loved on patients from the age of babies to elderly at Sylva Family Practice. Michelle has done so much for our community.

A Family in Need

In 2017 Fred rolled in and engulfed Michelle and Jeff’s home in Clyde NC. It took 2.5 years to rebuild their home and they finally moved back in. Jeff fell and broke his leg in 2024. He had a long painful recovery. Then 2024 Helene hit. Michelle and Jeff’s house was completely under water. Their vehicles were damaged. They lost everything.

Michelle and Jeff were homeless until November 2024 when they were able to move into a camper. They had lost all their belongings in the flood and began putting their life back together.

June 11th, 2025 Jeff started feeling very ill. He has been suffering with stomach issues for some time. Michelle was attempting to convince Jeff to seek medical help, and Jeff insisted he was ok. Ultimately Jeff did agree to go to the ER. As they walked out the camper door to head to the car, Jeff fell to the ground. Michelle began CPR. After 15 long minutes EMS arrived. A few minutes later they pronounced Jeff deceased.

Michelle is devastated. After 21 years together she is having trouble facing the day.

Now, she needs our help.

How You Can Help:

The financial strain of medical bills, purchasing items, rebuilding her life, now without her husband, is too much for any person to carry.

Your support will go directly toward:

Medical bills not covered by insurance

Home repair costs following the hurricane

Expenses left for Michelle

Burial expenses

Living expenses

Every Bit Counts

No amount is too small—whether it’s $5 or $500, your generosity will make a tangible difference in the life of this incredible woman. If you can’t donate, please share this campaign with your network. Together, we can give Michelle the support she needs to rebuild and heal.

Let’s show Michelle that she is not alone during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.