Thrown by the EF4 Tornado, Saved by God's Miracle

Life isn’t easy—we all know that. Every day seems to bring a new challenge that demands strength, resilience, and grit just to get through.

But May 16, 2025, reminded us just how quickly everything can change. That day taught us what truly matters: being alive, leaning on one another, and knowing that in our darkest hours, our community will be there to lift us up.

An EF4 tornado tore through Laurel County, Kentucky—a small, tight-knit town with many families already living at or near the edge of poverty. The destruction was overwhelming. And for one family in particular—the McIntyres—life changed in a matter of seconds.

Bryan, Alicia, and their son Justin are the kind of family you don’t just know—you come to love. They’ve become part of our extended family. They are the kind of people who raised a son you hope your own grows up to be. They work hard, live honorably, give generously, and lift others without expecting anything in return. When tragedy strikes a family like this, it makes you ask, “Why them?”

On that terrifying day, as sirens warned of the incoming tornado, the McIntyre’s took shelter in their bathroom, huddled together in the bathtub, praying it would keep them safe. But the storm was too powerful. In an instant, their entire home was ripped from its foundation.

They were thrown into the air by the force of the tornado. Amid the chaos, young Justin held on to his mama and never let go—even as they spun through the sky. They believed they were going to die. In those moments, they cried out to God for mercy.

And then, the tornado dropped them.

Bruised and broken—but alive. By some miracle, they survived.

Now begins the long road to recovery. Each of them sustained serious injuries and will require multiple surgeries. The emotional and financial toll is beyond what any family should ever endure.

Their home is gone—not damaged, but entirely destroyed—furniture, clothing, photos, cherished memories—obliterated in seconds.

We created this GoFundMe to help the McIntyres start over. To rebuild the life they worked so hard to create.

Let’s come together to surround this family with the love and support they’ve always shown others.

They held on to each other in the worst moment of their lives. Now it’s our turn to hold on to them.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and prayers.

The Farris Family