Colleen and Grant's Recovery from Disaster

Hi Everyone, (Updates Below)

As some of you may know our Mom (Colleen Gormley) and her longtime partner Grant (Grant Means) have lost their home, cars, possessions and almost their lives on 9/27/24 in Hurricane Helene in their home town of Marion, North Carolina. They both, along with their 2 dogs, were able to escape to their car just moments before their house was destroyed by falling trees, moved off the foundation and pushed down stream. They then became trapped in their vehicle wedged between two structures until their heroic neighbors went to check on them and noticed the flashing lights on the car were able to pull them out of the vehicle to safety. The following day they were rescued by the emergency response team and brought to a local shelter. Currently, they are safe and staying with a family member in a nearby town of Boone, NC.

As majority of their family and friends still reside in the NJ/PA area it has been painful to have to watch and hear them go through this from afar and not be able to get to them and help.

This go fund me has been set up to help aid them slowly rebuild during this horrific time. Right now our main goal is to help get them funds to purchase clothing, food and necessary items until we know what comes next. Any donation(s) and or effort to help them rebuild everything they have lost would be greatly appreciated.

We also would to like to express how thankful we are for the neighbors of Geneva Drive in Marion, North Carolina. The heroic efforts you all put forth the help each other will never be forgotten.

Praying for all those affected by this catastrophic storm, especially those who lost their lives.

10/1/24

Hi Everyone!

I just want to start off with say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!. The amount of love and support shown from all over the country has left My Mom & Grant in tears & speechless. With these funds they have been able to purchase

clothing, food,meds, dog food and other necessary items available to them. They were able to get a rental car yesterday and are now searching for available temporary housing nearby as they wish to stay in the area navigate the clean-up and rebuilding process. They also would like to help rebuild the community they have come to love and be apart of over the past 10+ years. At this time they are unsure if insurance will cover the loss of their home. FEMA is slowly making its way through the area, however with the amount of horrific devastation left behind from Hurricane Helene it could take weeks and/or months. We would just like to thank everyone for your kindness and consideration during this time. It has truly been amazing to see the support system they have and how far it stretches!!!

We will be working on shipping/driving supplies down to them and the area soon and will keep everyone asking updated on that process. As much as we wish we could be there now, with the limited resources available in that area and emergency rescue operations still going on it is best if we hold tight and allow emergency personnel to do what needs to be done first for the safety and well being of everyone.