Thank you for taking a moment to visit this fundraiser for my mother and grandfather in Jamaica. As many of you may have heard, Hurricane Melissa — a Category 5 storm — has devastated the beautiful island that my husband and I call home.

Right now, food is scarce, and safe shelter is becoming harder to find. My family’s home suffered severe damage — the roof was completely torn off, leaving the interior exposed to heavy rain and wind. When it rains, water continues to pour in, soaking the ceilings, walls, and floors. Mattresses, sofas, and cherished personal belongings have all been destroyed.

What’s left of the ceiling is now waterlogged and collapsing. One of the fallen panels shattered our great-grandmother’s china cabinet and glass shelving stand, scattering pieces of family history across the floor. Every day the roof remains open, the damage worsens. Water seeps deeper into the walls, floors, electrical wiring, and structure of the home, leaving my family increasingly exposed to serious risks to their health and safety as they struggle to stay protected from the rain, mold, and collapsing debris.

My grandfather’s field — their main source of food and livelihood — was also wiped out, leaving them with nothing to harvest or eat. It breaks my heart knowing they are struggling and unsafe while I’m so far away, unable to help them directly.

I’m reaching out in hope and faith, asking for your help to raise funds to rebuild their roof, repair the broken windows, and make their home safe again. Every single contribution — whether $2, $5, or whatever you can spare — will make a real difference and go directly toward these urgent repairs.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your generosity. Together, we can help my family find safety and peace again after this unimaginable storm.

With love and gratitude,

Amanda, Dane and our family back home in Jamaica