Help JD, Nessa, and Children Recover From Tornado

On Friday, December 10th, 2021, tornadoes ripped through the central U.S. leaving death and destruction in their wake.

J.D. was close to heading home to Lafayette, Kentucky after spending the week on the road as a truck driver. Nessa was at home caring for their 3 children and farm, which includes several small flocks of chickens, turkeys, ducks, goats, and 3 pigs, in addition to their 5 dogs and 4 cats.

Their small farmhouse that they’ve rented for 5 years took a direct hit from one of the tornadoes. Nessa was able to get all the children and their dogs down to the basement before it struck their house. And thankfully they were not injured. Recovery began the next morning. They lost several of their farm animals when the tornado ripped through the animal’s outdoor shelters, causing them to collapse. One pig, Daisy, was missing. Nessa followed her tracks in the mud to find her one mile away, limping, but safe. Inside, windows were shattered. The walls were separated from the home’s foundation. Inside areas were soaked with water and covered with mud. Many items from inside the home were strewn about the field. Furniture, clothing, and bedding destroyed. Dishes broken. Pet aquariums broken. Outdoor equipment flipped over. Appliances and tools ruined.

I met Nessa and J.D. through the sport of roller derby where they’ve volunteered their time as coaches, skaters, officials, and more. J.D. is on the training committee, and during bouts, his voice, which can be heard from anywhere in the venue , is the one I listen for to direct me on the track. Nessa serves as the league treasurer, and has always been my track buddy/protective sister since I began playing derby, and she’s always made me feel safe and protected when we’re on the track together. They are two of the kindest, most caring people I’ve met. They are the kind of people who would give the shirts off of their backs to any person (or animal) in need.

Together we can help J.D, Nessa, and their family recover from their losses. They will need to find a new place to live, in addition to replacing many lost items, and repairing or replacing their two vehicles which were badly damaged. They are currently staying with parents until a new home can be found.

Ways That Funds Will Help This Family Recover

-Funds will help to cover deposits and pet fees when they find a new place to live.

-Cover deductibles on car insurance claims.

-Help with the cost to replace furniture and the many other indoor and outdoor belongings that were destroyed.

-Help with the cost to replace feed, shelter and fencing for their outdoor animals. Most of their animals have found temporary homes with farmer friends in the area. Nessa and J.D. want to continue to provide feed to the families who have graciously opened their homes to the displaced animals.

-Money to possibly cover the storage of their belongings until a new home is found (currently belongings are being stored under a carport and in a garage).

Other Ways to Help

In addition to monetary needs, this family can use other types of assistance.

-Help finding a new place to live, with a large enough acreage, where they can have their furry and feathered and bristly family members.

-Help to house animals temporarily.