Heather Lafond and family

On September 28, 2022 Category 4 Hurricane Ian made an unexpected, last minute turn east and hit SWFL. The outcome was catastrophic. Heather and Marc Lafond, who have been together 20+ years and married 8 years, are one of many families who have been forever impacted and lives have been changed.

Their family home is nestled in North Ft Myers, just east of I-75, in a beautiful, rural neighborhood located directly along the Caloosahatchee River. Hurricane Ian was tracking to make landfall north of SWFL, towards Tampa. Many SWFL residents did not vacate because they have fared their share of Florida hurricanes before and did not see this as a direct threat as it was trending north, but this time it would be different. In the early morning the forecast shifted, Ian made landfall upon SWFL and the surge that came with it was incomprehensible.

Heather and Marc had shuttered their home and were ready to ride out the storm. Then the water came. The water came from every single direction and flooded the entire first floor of their home. They were able to find safety on the 2nd floor. During the storm, Marc went and rescued his elderly neighbor and 14 year old german shephard from a one story home across the street. The water up to his chest at this time, but he continued despite the surge waters rising and alligator infested waters. Once safely back at their home- on the 2nd floor- Marc, Heather, their neighbor, along with 4 dogs (3 of theirs and 1 of the neighbors) and 1 turtle named Tito, waited as the storm passed.

Hurricane Ian destroyed their neighborhood. Every home on their street and neighborhood had flooded with up to 6-10ft of water from the river. Furniture floated around, was rearranged, demolished. Lucky enough for them they had a 2nd floor of their home and each other to rely on during this traumatic event.

The streets are now lined with soaked contents of people’s homes, everything has to be thrown away. Everything has been covered in thick mud, the smell is almost unbearable, and they have not yet been fully restored on power and water. So far, from what we know the entire home will more than likely need to be gutted to the studs and redone. Both of their vehicles will need to be replaced, along with their personal belongings. All the family photos…gone forever.

Marc and Heather have 5 beautiful grown children and 4 grandchildren. Their family is bonded and strong. They are ALWAYS there for one another. Within days of Ian hitting the area all of their children are in town and on the grounds to help the cleanup process. The Lafond family home has and will always be an open door policy for anyone of their friends and kids friends. Everyone knows their home has always been a safe place to go when in need or just for fun, there is always warm food if you’re hungry and a cold drink ready for you. SO many memories have been made there and many laughs have been shared. Their favorite saying at the “BSR” (Black Sheep Ranch) is “If you leave hungry or sober its your own damn fault”. The Lafond’s are GIVERS. They always give to everyone else and would be the first to give the shirt off their back and would never ask for anything in return because that’s just who they are.

2022 has not been an easy year for the Lafond’s. They have faced covid, loss of a parent, tragedy and many more challenges as a family. Now hurricane Ian has tried to test them yet again. But they will overcome this as family unit as they always do. PLEASE, I am asking you from the bottom of my heart, any donation or gift card helps. Whether it is $5 or $50 it will all help. Let us come together for the Lafond Family and show them the kindness and love that they always show others.

Please join Mr Greens in raising funds to help the Lafond Family rebuild their family home. Let’s come together and show them that they truly have an army of #teamgreensupporters behind them!