My name is Reena, and I am writing from Cochrane, Alberta, asking for help for my sister in Tamiang, Sumatra, Indonesia.

My sister in Tamiang, Sumatra survived the recent catastrophic flooding and that alone is a blessing. For a full week, we had no contact. We didn’t know if she had been injured, or even survived. When we finally learned that she and her caregiver had been found alive, we were overwhelmed with relief.

My sister is now back with her caregiver, but the caregiver’s home — where she normally receives 24/7 care — has been severely damaged in the flood. It is not in safe living condition. The inside is destroyed, walls and floors are damaged, and they have no bed, no clothing, no food, no appliances, and none of the essentials they relied on every day. They are trying to stay there because they have nowhere else to go, but the home is barely usable.

My sister has already lived through more than most people could ever imagine:

She survived the 2004 tsunami, though she tragically lost her son in that disaster.

Three years ago, she suffered two strokes, leaving her needing round-the-clock care. Despite all of it, she is resilient, kind, and determined in ways that amaze me.

Why I Am Asking for Help

I wish more than anything that I could cover the costs myself. But the financial burden of repairing, a home, replacing essentials, and supporting with urgent needs is far beyond what I can manage alone. It is extremely hard for me to ask for help, but I simply do not have the means to do this on my own.

This is why I am turning to the kindness of others — friends, family, and anyone who is able to extend support during this crisis. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference.

How Your Donation Will Help

Funds will go directly toward rebuilding the caregiver’s home so my sister can safely live there again, and toward replacing the essentials they both lost, including:

• Clothing and basic necessities

• A bed and proper sleeping arrangements

• Food, water, and daily supplies

• Medical and caregiving necessities

• Replacement of destroyed appliances and household items

• Urgent repairs to make the home safe, clean, and livable again

Our family is doing everything we can, but the damage is extensive, and they are truly starting from almost nothing.