Courage in the Current: Supporting Sheila's Flood Recovery!

Have you heard the heroic tale of the 80-year-old woman who swam across the raging French Broad River flood waters to save her life? If not, let me share the incredible story of my new friend, Sheila Creveling. My name is Billie Walker-Clark and I am encouraging you to donate towards the efforts of rebuilding Sheila’s home and help bring peace for her future.

On 9/27/2024, Flood waters from Hurricane Helene quickly reached Sheila’s home in East Tennessee. Once she decided to leave her home, it was too late. She grabbed her beloved dog, Biscuit, and began to fight the fast current of the French Broad River to find safety. The water was just too swift, pulling Biscuit from her arms. She then had to make the choice to either swim for her life or let the ravaging flood waters claim her life like it had just done that of her best friend, Biscuit. She could NOT allow that to happen. She knew she was NOT going to die that day. Sheila collected every ounce of strength left in her 80-year-old body and fought the cold rapid currents of the river. Sheila stated she must have swum the length of 3 football fields before feeling solid earth under her soaked and weak body. Her neighbor had seen Sheila in the flood waters and called for help from the local first responders. Officer Paul Weber and his team located Sheila on a nearby road, Rock Hill Rd. They pulled her to safety, and she was transported to the local hospital. It was discovered that Sheila had experienced a heart attack, and she was relocated to a larger hospital in Knoxville to address her needs. Shelia was released from that hospital a few days later with a borrowed pair of Hey-Dude shoes and some clothes the hospital staff rounded up for her. My sister and her family, they are neighbors, picked Sheila up and set her up in a hotel room, which is where she continues to stay until she is able to get a more permanent home situated on her property. Sheila’s entire life and belongings were destroyed by the French Broad River, but it most certainly did not drown her fighting spirit. She is a remarkable human being and has given all who care for her a new-found appreciation for life. Sheila’s story has been shared on many news channels and even the local newspaper. I hope that you will consider donating to help rebuild Sheila’s home and to help replace some of her belongings. She’s looking forward to restoring her life and welcoming a new furry friend to her home when she is able to do so. She is extremely grateful for all the help and donations she has received since the event. 100% of the donations will go directly to Sheila. I will share the news clips and newspaper articles with this campaign as well. Please feel free to share Sheila’s story so that it can give others hope!

Newport Plain Talk

WBIR Newslink

WATE Newslink