Willy Mendez, a talented graphic designer, photographer, painter and creative in Tampa Bay faced devastating losses when the storm severely damaged his family's home.

Here’s a small glimpse into what happened:

Willy and his family, along with their beloved pets (two dogs, chickens, birds, and lizards), prepared and sandbagged the home. After the storm began, water built up quickly, and their sliding glass door became like an aquarium, with water pressing against it. Eventually, water swept into the house, flooding the entire space. A kayak was used inside their home to save what valuables they could and retrieve floating electronics and other essentials.

After the storm, kayaks were needed to leave the house and neighborhood in Tampa. Their home is now uninhabitable, with walls, floors, and everything inside stripped down to a skeleton. Sadly, many irreplaceable items, like family photo albums, were also lost.

Here are a few photos of the damage and the pets of the household: https://imgur.com/a/18rjDJ5

Thankfully, Willy, his family, and their pets are all safe and staying with loved ones. However, the road to recovery is long and difficult. We are coming together to help Willy and his family get back on their feet.

Any contribution you can make will go toward helping Willy with items like this:

Every little bit helps. Please consider donating and sharing this page to support the Mendez family as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

Willy has given so much to everyone through his work—now it’s our turn to give back to him in his time of need.

This fundraiser is being organized by a colleague and friend of his.

Thank you for your kindness and support.