Restore Hope for Bill and Diane Merz in Burnsville

Pics from their area 10/12/24

My name is Heidi. I moved to Maryland when my children were small so I could better support myself, but I will always consider North Carolina my home. Currently, my parents, one of my brothers, and one of my nieces live in the Asheville area.

My parents, Bill and Diane Merz, followed me to North Carolina nearly 26 years ago to be closer to me and my children. They fell in love with a cabin and Burnsville. It has been their home ever since. They are proud members of that rural community. They have dealt with far too much this past year. The latest incident being Hurricane Helene. As of 10/12/24, they are still without power or a road.

They are very proud people. They would rather help others than themselves, and have been doing just that. The Tuesday following the hurricane, my dad was supposed to have his disintegrated rotator cuff surgery. Of course that did not happen. He was also supposed to get 2 new knees by Christmas. My dad still works as much as he can. Due to the storm, his handyman job no longer exists. They need that extra to get by each month.

So, these 2 are in their early 70s. They cannot really leave their home. My father is struggling with one usable arm and very weak knees. He has hiked about 2 miles through the woods to sit on the side of the road and hitchhike into town. This would be at least a 20 minute drive normally. Whatever he can find in town, he has to haul back alone over the same trail. They were told they could get Starlink, but that has yet to happen. Even before the storm, cell service was not a thing at their home. I am trying my best to help them, but it isn't enough. Anyone who feels led to assist, please do. Please share this post.

Thank you for all the support and prayers.