Support Paul: Cancer Survivor Facing Hurricane Damage

My name is Paul. I am a recent cancer survivor who is now facing devastating damage from 2 tropical storms, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

In July 2024, while I was in the process of purchasing a beach house in St. Pete Beach, I received devastating news that I had a malignant tumor on my bladder. Before the closing on my house, I had to undergo surgery to remove the large tumor that had damaged my ureter, left kidney, and bladder. I was in and out of the hospital for weeks as doctors repaired the damage to my organs caused by this tumor. It has been a very long and painful process, not made any easier by the fact that I was going to be moving into a new home.

I had started the process of moving into my beach property in St. Pete Beach on August 25, 2024 and started work on the cottage, which I planned to rent out. Because of the exorbitant cost of flood and wind damage insurance, many are faced with huge insurance premiums or choose, like me, to self-insure. Well, my fortunes were about to get even worse with the approach of Helene.

I tried as best I could to get the house ready for Helene, but none of us that live on the coast were prepared for the historic storm surge, inundating all the barrier islands.

On the evening of September 26, 2024, storm surge waters from Helene inundated the interior of my property. The main house, (bungalow), took on more that 3 feet of sewage laden salt water, and the cottage had almost 4 feet of water. I had moved all my personal effects except for some furniture into the beach property. Most of these items were in boxes on the floor and subsequently destroyed. That includes all my files, documents, photos, books and most of my cherished family heirlooms.

Things were about to get even worse though. My villa north of Tampa in Carrollwood that I had intended to rent out, but now continue to live in with the destruction of my beach home, was hit with tremendous winds from Hurricane Milton. ripping the screened lanai off of the porch deck and sending it into pieces up over my roof to the front yard, and across the street to the neighbors and into the pond.

A remediation company completed most of the removal of contaminated flooring and dry wall from my bungalow and cottage on October 16, 2024. I also had to purchase new AC units for these buildings as they were under seawater for an extended time and were hit with flying debris from Milton.

My fund monetary goal ($28,650) includes the following costs:

$24,000] Remediation

$3,350 Bungalow Air Conditioner

$1300 Cottage Air Conditioner

As more estimates come in for restoration, renovation, furnishings, appliances and the lanai, the fund goal will be adjusted accordingly.

I am asking those that read this story to consider giving whatever you can to charitable organizations providing relief to victims of Helene and Milton. Even if you chose not to contribute to my fund, please consider sharing this link with all your friends so that I can share my story with a larger audience.

I feel fortunate to have escaped Helene the day before it hit and survived the fury of Milton but am overwhelmed at all that I must now face with my current health situation and damage to two properties. I am extremely grateful for the love and support of countless friends around the world. I believe in the power of prayer, and it is a comfort to me knowing that there are many people praying for me. I

If any of this story resonates with you, or perhaps motivates you to want to help another person in need, I would love to hear from you. Every donation towards this fund is important, no matter the size of the gift. Again, even if you don't have the means to make a monetary contribution, you probably know those who would be interested in hearing about my story. Simply share the link to this fund to all your friends. Anyone can be of help in this effort to raise funds towards my goal.

I have never dealt with depression before, but all these weather disasters have pushed me to the brink of despair and great sorrow. There are days when I just don't feel like dealing with any of this. It has been utterly exhausting. Thank you in advance for your consideration, support and generosity.

The photo of me was taken on September 18, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, in a lovely garden behind a dune on the north end of the island, a 10-minute walk from my house. It was the only indulgence I allowed myself while I was undergoing cancer procedures and moving at the same time. Now, sadly, this place of tranquility and peace has been wiped off the map. I will really miss it.