Melis Fryar family hurricane Ian assistance

On Sunday, September 25th Melis Fryar

and her husband Chad made the decision to evacuate Cape Coral, FL as Hurricane Ian crossed Cuba. “If it weren’t for our 3 month old son Everett, we probably wouldn’t have evacuated” Melis shared after the storm as they sheltered across the state in Melbourne, FL with family. Ian made landfall on Sept 28th in the Ft Myers Beach area as a Cat 4 with 155 MPH sustained

winds wreaking havoc on Sanibel Island, Ft Myers Beach, and surrounding areas. The video and pictures of devastation are heartbreaking and hard to fathom. As we celebrate the decision they made to evacuate and the fact that Melis and her family are safe, we also realize the sobering situation of the loss of their residence and belongings. Their home was near the water in Cape Coral, FL (yellow dot on Map) when 3 ft of water ripped through their home and property. Standing water remained in the back seat of her flooded company car even days after the storm passed.

Melis and her family don’t know what the future holds for them including where they will live and when that will become a reality as many other families in the same situation also look for housing in the area. They will remain in Melbourne, FL with family until they are able to find a new residence in Ft Myers.

As we are grateful for the many blessings we enjoy today like safety, a roof over our heads, and electricity we should ask ourselves, “What can we do today to help those in need including Melis and her family?” There is so much to be done! What would be your needs if you were in Melis’ situation? Would you be willing to donate funds to help Melis and Family get back on their feet? Funds will go towards the basic necessities of life (including the needs of their newborn son).

“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in” – Kristin Armstrong