Michelle and Rick Kotrous Flood Relief

In Nebraska, we joke, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes, it will change.” Recently, though, devastating flooding throughout our state proved the changes nature had in store for us were no laughing matter. Ninety-five percent of the nearly 2 million people in Nebraska were affected by flooding. My sister was one of them.

My family does not often ask for help. Normally we are the first to roll up our sleeves and help everyone else in need. Now, however, we need your support. That’s why I’m starting this Go Fund Me page for my sister Michelle and her husband Rick and four children who have suffered devastating losses from the recent floods. 


My family and I are from a small town, Verdigre, Nebraska, where everyone pitches in as a community. We are used to not getting a whole lot of reporting or help from outside our small town, and that has always been okay, as we are usually able to take care of ourselves and each other. However, the effects of this flood are overwhelming and beyond what we can do as an immediate family.  Our family is at complete loss right now.  It wasn’t just my sister’s home that was flooded. Had it been, we would not be asking for help. The problem is both Michelle and Rick’s businesses were flooded, as well, and now neither one is able to work and generate income for their family.

We have all been working 14-hour days this past week cleaning, ripping up flooring, drywall, installing new drywall, etc at Michelle’s shop (She is a hairdresser and needs her shop back up yesterday), and there is still a long way to go. Then we will have to repair Rick’s shop so he can work again. (He owns a construction business and his tools were all damaged in the flood.) After getting Rick back to work, then we will be able to start repairs on their home.

I know there are a thousand different ways to donate and help people in need right now. Michelle, Rick and their four kids are just a few of the many you can choose to assist. If you feel the need to want to help out my family, I can’t tell you how deeply grateful they, and I, would be. They’re hardworking people.  Their home has been damaged, and their livelihood lost, but not their faith in humanity or that spirit of Nebraska grit that pushes them forward. We just want to get them up and running so they can work again and provide for their kids. Any donation, no matter how small, would be deeply appreciated. Thank you so much.