Dear friends, family, and wonderful community. I am reaching out to you today during one of the most challenging times I have ever faced. Those people that know me closely know that I am not one to ask for help. Earlier this week, severe flash flooding hit our neighborhood in Fort Pierce, Florida. Within a matter of hours, intense rainfall, rising waters from the river, the release of the Okeechobee dam, and already over saturated land completely deluged my home and car, turning the neighborhood into a disaster zone.

The floodwaters reached thigh high levels inside my house, submerging my furniture, my car in the garage, destroying major appliances, and ruining irreplaceable personal belongings. Because the water level rose so quickly, I had to be evacuated at 11:15pm Monday November 2nd by fish and wildlife on a swamp buggy with just a go bag containing clothes and important documents, and my dog Thurston in my backpack. We were taken to dry land and a wonderful friend Chris took us in. I have been through a fire in CA, but this was so much scarier. I felt so helpless as I watched the water start pouring into the house and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

Like many residents in our immediate area, our standard homeowner's insurance policy does not cover rising floodwaters, and we are facing the overwhelming reality of completely rebuilding our lives. Luckily I had flood insurance so they will pick up some of the rebuilding costs. Our neighbors have begun their process of cutting out damaged drywall themselves because the flood insurance will not cover much and I am on the same boat. My car was submerged in water and my comprehensive insurance does not cover a car rental which I need to continue to work and fulfill my commitments. I need to start knocking down drywall to prevent molding asap, which means I will need to hire someone to help. Being a newer Florida resident I do not know enough able bodied people to help with the demolition.

I am starting this GoFundMe campaign to help cover the immediate and urgent costs of recovery. Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

• Immediate emergency housing, clothing, and groceries while we are displaced.

• Professional water mitigation and mold remediation to prevent permanent damage to the structure of our home.

• Replacing essential household items, bedding, and major appliances destroyed by the water.

• Crucial structural repairs to walls and flooring to make our home safe and livable again.

• car rental until my car is fixed or is deemed totalled and I am able to put a down payment on a different car

If you are able to contribute, no amount is too small. A donation of even $10 or $20 will help me buy immediate necessities or pay for cleanup supplies. If you are unable to donate financially, I completely understand and ask that you please share this link with your network, on social media, or with anyone who might be able to help.

I am so incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support I have already received from the community (mostly my Pilates family). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me get back on my feet.

With love and gratitude,

Sachi Minakata

Fort Pierce, FL