Support Cam and Dee's Journey to Rebuild After Storm

Help Deirdre and Her Family Rebuild After Hurricane Helene

Hi, my name is Dalton, and I’m from Mills River, North Carolina. I’m raising funds for my sister Deirdre, her husband Cameron, and their two young children, who live in Avery County, North Carolina. Their lives were turned upside down when Hurricane Helene devastated their home and community. As her brother, I’m sharing their story and asking for your support to help them rebuild and recover.

The Storm

When Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, Deirdre and her family were in their home by the North Toe River in Avery County. Heavy rain from the storm had already pushed rivers beyond their banks, but no evacuation orders were issued. Like so many others, they thought their home, which had stood for decades, would endure. They had just expanded it with their life savings to create a space for their growing family.

Early that Friday morning, floodwaters surrounded their home as the hurricane’s powerful winds and relentless rain took hold. They quickly realized they were trapped. Power and communication were lost across the area, leaving them with no way to call for help. The family moved to the second floor and huddled together in the master closet, hoping the rising waters would subside.

A Miracle in the Chaos

Around 1 p.m., the floodwaters overwhelmed their home. The garage walls broke apart, and the children’s belongings washed away as parts of the house collapsed. In what they believed were their final moments, Deirdre, Cameron, and their kids held hands, praying and comforting each other. Miraculously, a large tree lodged itself against their home, diverting the flood’s pressure and sparing part of the structure. A neighbor and rescue crews finally reached them with ropes as the water receded, guiding them to safety.

More Tragedy Strikes

While Deirdre’s family survived, Cameron’s parents were not as fortunate. Their home was caught in a landslide triggered by the storm. Cameron’s mother escaped, but his father was pinned under the rubble. Emergency help took hours to arrive due to the widespread destruction across the county. Cameron’s father was rescued and rushed to the hospital, but tragically, he passed away from his injuries that night.

Starting Over

Hurricane Helene left Deirdre and her family with nothing. Their home is uninhabitable, their belongings destroyed, and their lives turned upside down. For now, they are living in a 39-foot camper with our parents near the children’s school. While they are grateful for this temporary shelter, it is not sustainable. The tight quarters and lack of privacy make every day a struggle as they try to balance work, school, and recovery.

How the Funds Will Be Used

The funds raised through this campaign will be spent directly on:

Housing: Securing stable housing for Deirdre, Cameron, and their children, whether through repairs, rebuilding, or temporary accommodations.

Replacing Essentials: Replacing vital items such as clothing, furniture, and household necessities lost in the flood.

Recovery Costs: Supporting their transition to normalcy by covering unforeseen expenses related to recovery, including transportation, school supplies, and childcare needs while they rebuild their lives.

Why Your Help Matters

Every donation, no matter the size, will bring Deirdre and her family closer to stability and healing. Your support means they can focus on rebuilding their lives without the constant worry of where they’ll live or how they’ll provide for their children.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for any support you can offer. Whether it’s a donation or sharing their story, your kindness and generosity will make a world of difference for this resilient family.