Help Us Show Gratitude to Selfless Heroes

We’re Ben and Mandy Gibson, and we’re survivors of Hurricane Helene, thanks to many people from our support system and friendly community members. But two women in particular are why we are driven to start this fundraiser. What started off as two complete strangers, quickly turned into our saving graces. They are Ash and Madi, the cleaning personnel for the cabin we had rented. As they were driving down the mountain after completing their jobs, they noticed us struggling to make it up the path with our vehicle. They assured us they had people who could help, but had to go back home to their pets. Had they not returned to help us, it’s scary to think how much worse off we would’ve been. We were in complete shock when we heard a knock on our door Friday morning, after enduring the most terrifying night of our lives. With the howling winds and the power going out, we started to feel anxious for our safety. But when I opened the door and it was them, standing in the pouring rain and high winds, we felt a sense of hope. Ash pulled 2 apples out of her pocket and said this was all she had, but ensured we’d figure out a game plan. They shared valuable survival skills, with their experience living off-grid, and continued to reassure us that we’d be taken care of. They physically and emotionally supported us in ways that we feel we could never repay them. They were truly our guardian angels.

During our 3-day survival adventure, we got to know these two beautiful women on such a spiritual level. What we learned from their past was an outcome of significant tragedy and loss, where they had to start their lives all over from completely nothing. And now with the hurricane, they’re unsure if their off-grid home is even still standing since it was already close to running water. They have pets they love dearly and are worried sick about them. Again, they sacrificed all of that to SAVE US. Please help us, so we can offer them support back, and our unconditional love, gratitude, and comfort.

On day 4, me, my husband and dog were thankfully evacuated by a helicopter. Ash and Madi were afraid the helicopter ride would cost money, even after we tried to convince them it shouldn’t. But they told us if a ride came to evacuate us, that my husband and dog need to go on, and they would stay behind. Again, selfless women, but also devastating they were fearful of our helicopter ride would be something they couldn’t afford. We’ve exchanged numbers and plan to have them as friends for life. We’ve been in contact with them since they hiked down the mountain, and have reported to us they are safe and alive! We plan to give them this money to help them get their life back on track. Because they live in North Carolina, and we reside in Tennessee, we plan to send them all donations electronically. They’re also making plans to go out on rescue missions in the area, which they’re using their own money to provide aide to the community. These women truly deserve all the support they can get for their selfless charity and big hearts. Please help us make that happen!!!!