The Phillips Family through Crisis

Hi, my name is Marva Phillips, I am a nurse educator at a hospital, a pastor, wife, and mother. The reason I created GoFundMe was to use to care for my family during this trying time.

On Thursday morning, September 29, 2022, me and my family woke up to rapidly rising water from the lake in our backyard and flooding in the streets. For context, Hurricane Ian delivered 17” of rain which was too much for most of the local lakes, and rivers to handle. Econ River is the location for all local lakes to drain in the case of an impending flood, but due to the massive amount of rain from Hurricane Ian, there was no way to drain the lakes let alone drain the Econ River which was also overflowing. My family watched as other homes in the direct path of the overflowing Econ River got completely destroyed and feared for our own home and lives.

Thanks to the fire department mandating evacuations, our family, that includes my husband, Derek, 26-year-old daughter, Tamara, and 86-year-old mother, Theresa were taken by airboat to safety. We witnessed not only our own home being flooded but our neighbors’ homes and the fear and disbelief on everyone’s faces once we were safe. Thankfully, my sister Eleanor and her son allowed us to stay with her in her 2-bedroom apartment but due to the small space, it will be a temporary arrangement for the time being but we are safe! The roads were impassable for several days, and due to this, our neighbors created a hole in the wall in the back of the neighborhood to allow people to try to glimpse their homes (if possible). It took 3 days before the roads in the community were dry enough for us to view the damages to our home.

Our family lost all 3 vehicles (I had just treated myself to a new Rav 4 just weeks ago) and almost everything due to the 3.5 feet of water that was in our home. Due to the flood mold and mildew have settled in and will need to be removed from all affected areas and will require at least 6 months to repair.

Truly, making this GoFundMe has been a difficult decision for us because we are so used to giving to others and being the ones to rely on. But due to this situation, we’ve realized that we have to let go of our pride and stop fighting the hands that are trying to bless us.

We took the advice of several family members and close friends who suggested this GoFundMe to help us raise money to assist with either repairs, temporary living arrangements, food, and purchasing pod storage for any salvageable items.

We of course appreciate any and all donations through this emotionally and physically draining time. The goal is $25,000 but we are just grateful for any and all donations. Most importantly - please send positive vibes and prayers our way! And share!!!!

Thank you all so much for your continued support and love!

-The Phillips Family ♥️