Support Cathy Sky's Recovery from Hurricane Helene

Cathy Sky is a victim of the Hurricane Helene disaster in western NC. She lives in Spruce Pine, a small town that was extremely hard hit—you can find distressing images online.

UPDATE 10/20: Cathy is returning to Spruce Pine this week. Her son, Liam, checked out the house yesterday, and it's got electricity, (dark brown, smelly) water, and sewer. I also revised down this fundraising goal--I had set the goal before I had even been in contact with Cathy, so I didn't know how badly she and her place had been affected. She's luckier than many in WNC, but life won't be the same after this catastrophe. Thanks again to all who've helped Cathy and others!

I’m not able to contact her yet, so I don’t know the extent of damage to her property, but she will almost certainly need help to recover from this. There may be trees down, and I wouldn’t be surprised if her driveway was washed away.

UPDATE 10/03: Cathy’s son, Liam, evacuated Cathy and the cats yesterday, so she is safe. But we now know that trees are down across the driveway and other places in the yard, with more leaning and likely to fall.

As far as I know, rescuers have visited her and will bring her emergency supplies like food and water. I’m sure she’s comforted by her beloved cats, Johnnycake and Oonagh. She may be better off than many people affected by Helene, but she’ll still need help in the weeks and months ahead.

I am a former fiddle student and friend of 30 years to Cathy and her late husband, Patrick Sky. I live near Raleigh, NC, and I visit a few times a year, so I’m very familiar with Spruce Pine and nearby towns. I’m reaching out to other friends of Cathy to please donate what you can. Thank you!