Support Chris & His Loved Ones after Hurricane Helene

This is coming from a mama's heart that is broken and devastated. It's the ultimate worst thing when you cannot give your children what they need. My youngest son (Chris) lives in Florida with his wife (Kayla) and their 4 children. My son's father-in-law, sister-in-law, and niece also live with them. So there were 9 individuals who were displaced during Hurricane Helene. Their home (that they rented) was destroyed, as well as both of their vehicles and everything that they worked so hard to build. When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. The water was chest high at one point, so you can imagine the force of the water rushing through their home and tipping over the refrigerator, dressers, etc. At one point, the water went gushing into the garage and through the master bedroom where his wife and daughter were trying to get out. The water tore the closet down and trapped them in the room. My son had to find a way to get in. He did and got them out. They headed to the apartments across the road, which had a 2nd floor. A nice woman took in all 8 of my son's family and dog, along with 2 other families and a dog. Thank God for her! My son and another man rescued an older couple. He said the woman was only in her underwear. Again, the guardian angel gave her clothes and they all spent the night at her 2-bedroom apartment. I could go into the water and how it smelled, but I'll leave that to your imagination. Over the next days, my son would call and I had no words for him, only that I loved him and if they needed to leave Florida, they were welcome in our home in Pennsylvania. When we talked, we'd both be crying. This is devastating to him and me as his mom. Yes, many people have lost so much during this hurricane.

A year ago, I would've had the money to give him. However, my husband has cancer and is terminal. But we will take 8-9 people in our home if that's what we need to do.

Y'all know the ridiculous cost of groceries - especially housing. It is truly devastating when you've lost everything.

For reference: the picture above was taken on September 15, 2024, in Destin, FL. We met them there to spend time together. The last time we saw them was May 2023. In the photo are our 4 grandchildren and my husband and me.

If you find it in your heart to donate, we would be forever grateful. May God bless everyone!

Penny Hellein