Support Rebuilding After Hurricane Helene's Impact

Hi, this is Susan and I have started this GoFundMe page to help two family members - one in St. Petersburg, Florida, and one in Asheville, NC, both of whom lost everything in the storm surge and flooding from Hurricane Helene. No one expected the level of devastation that happened!

While my brother, John, and his girlfriend, Rosie (who live a block from a Tampa Bay intercoastal waterway), were sleeping at my mom's house (which was fine), their house was flooded with 4 feet of salty, sewage water that swirled around their house for several hours before the low tide pulled it out. What remained was total destruction - weird stuff, like the nightstand from the bedroom found at the front door (this is from the picture -- how something could travel out a bedroom door, down a hallway, and then 20 feet to the front door is just amazing), the fridge toppled over, things from the top of the dresser found in the bathroom sink, the rocking chair on top of the couch. I wish I could post more pics, it's the craziest thing to see. Unfortunately, they did not have flood insurance. Anything below 4 feet, which if you look at your house you can imagine that it is almost everything, had to be thrown out - all appliances, beds, furniture -- all the stuff in your closets, all the stuff in your life.

As the storm traveled north, it devastated Asheville, which is where my children's half-brother, Jeremy, and his girlfriend live. Their first-floor apartment is two blocks from the Swannanoa River and within hours was completely submerged from the rising river -- again, total destruction and loss. They are still in a shelter trying to determine where to go. They haven't allowed them to enter their apartment yet because it's still unstable. It has been gut-wrenching and heartbreaking to speak to them during this weekend and hear their stories and their loss.

I would like to help John and Rosie buy some new appliances (literally everything had to be trashed - fridge, oven, washer/dryer - all lower kitchen cabinets, all bathroom cabinets) and I would like to help Jeremy with a down payment and the first month's rent on a new place. Both will need new furniture, beds, dressers, coffee tables, TVs -- oh my gosh, everything. This is an out-of-the-ordinary situation and when friends ask, how can I help, this is one way I thought others could provide help in any way they feel comfortable donating. Any size donation is appreciated, and all donations will go to support John and Rosie and Jeremy and Becks as they figure out how to rebuild and recover from this loss.

One final thought to share, I've been struggling with my own downsizing decisions and have grumbled about all the stuff I need to go through. Now, I realize how lucky I am to have to deliberate with myself. While I may not like it, at least it is my decision. A devastating flood made the decision for my family members - it took everything - family keepsakes and personal belongings; they didn't have the luxury to decide whether to keep something. If you get to make your own downsizing decisions, don't grumble too much, the alternative is worse!

Thank you for reading our story, your prayers, and most of all your continued good thoughts.