Support Danielle and Garrett's Hurricane Relief Fund

My name is Danielle Ward. I’ve called Burnsville, North Carolina my home for the last six years. My fiancé, Garrett Sparks, was born and raised in these mountains.

Having grown up in Florida, I never thought our lives in North Carolina could change so quickly from a Hurricane. It feels very strange to post this knowing that there are so many others in the same position, but I have to acknowledge that these are desperate times. 

During the Hurricane, my fiancé and I attempted to flee rising waters after the bank behind our apartment was taken out along with a significant amount of the foundation. Our apartment building, our home, has since been condemned and we’ve been displaced. Thankfully, we managed to get out safely in my vehicle after the water went down, however, my car took on a significant amount of water and is no longer in drivable condition. 

My fiancé's vehicle was totaled due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. We’ve been denied FEMA vehicle assistance in addition to any assistance from his insurance company, and he’s now saddled with continued monthly car payments for a vehicle he no longer has.

We’re very lucky to have a temporary roof over our heads, but we could use a little help getting back on our feet. 

Again, I know we’re among the lucky ones. I cannot overstate how grateful I am to be here with my family, alive. We’re safe, our loved ones are safe, and everything we’ve lost can be replaced. We just need a little help getting there. 

Any and all funds raised will go towards the remainder of my fiancés auto loan, securing a permanent home, and day-to-day expenses for the two of us while we attempt to return to “normalcy” as it comes.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

I appreciate each and every one of you so much.