Lauren is organizing this fundraiser for her cousins, Andrew and Sandra Carter, after a terrifying disaster changed their lives in a matter of moments.

Just after midnight on Friday, September 4, a massive tree crashed through the Carter family’s Kettering, Maryland home while everyone was asleep. The tree struck the part of the house where their 12-year-old son was sleeping, and a structural beam pinned him to his bed. Andrew tried to move the beam himself but could not free him. As more of the roof threatened to give way, Andrew covered his son with his own body and stayed there until firefighters reached them and carried out the rescue. Their son received medical evaluation and treatment afterward. Andrew, Sandra, and their younger son made it out safely, but the house has been deemed unstable, and the family cannot safely return to retrieve most of their belongings.

The Carter family is now displaced and facing a recovery that will continue far beyond the first emergency. Their insurance claim is underway, but the timing, the full extent of coverage, and the many costs outside of or ahead of reimbursement remain uncertain. This fundraiser will help cover temporary housing and living expenses not paid promptly or fully by insurance, along with clothing, shoes, toiletries, medications, and other immediate necessities. It will also help with medical, counseling, and trauma-related out-of-pocket expenses, plus transportation, storage, laundry, meals, insurance deductibles, uninsured or disputed losses, professional costs needed to document the damage, and replacement of essential personal and household property as needs are confirmed.

Because these needs will continue as the family navigates displacement, recovery, and a long reconstruction process, predictable support can make a real difference in helping Andrew and Sandra keep up with housing, daily living costs, and care for their family over time. Recurring donations are deeply appreciated for those who are able to give that way, and one-time donations are just as meaningful and welcome. Sandra Carter will be the direct beneficiary of this fundraiser and will receive the funds through GoFundMe.

Please donate what you can, and share this fundraiser with your family, workplace, congregation, school, civic organization, or community network. Updates will be posted as the insurance process develops, along with a registry for specific items the family needs.