The Cardine Family- Billy, Mary, Bodie and Julian

It feels unbelievable to be sitting here writing these words. One week ago, a literal "perfect storm" hit the southern states and devastated the Western North Carolina mountains, including Weaverville where Billy and Mary live with their 2 boys. Hurricane Helene was preceded by several days of rain causing absolutely catastrophic flooding and damage to the Asheville/ Weaverville area.

Billy, an internationally renowned dobro player, was on the mountain during the storm. He woke up to what he describes as nothing short of a "war zone". Trees and power lines everywhere. Roads, bridges and infrastructure literally washed away, leaving he and Bodie stranded on the mountain. We're grateful that Mary and Julian were out of town at a family gathering when the storm hit. Billy has worked tirelessly in the days since, trying to clear trees and make the area safe for others that also live on the mountain. He has assisted both neighbors and strangers alike with trees, debris, dirt paths, internet and supplies. The pictures, some shown above, are hard to see as he is dealing with mounds and mounds of destruction.

So many family members, friends, fans and fellow musicians have reached out from around the world and have asked how to help. We cannot say thank you enough. The first few days were especially tough while Billy tried to navigate his surroundings. With the help of Starlink, we have been able to at least have contact with him. We were all trying to gauge how best to help which is why it has taken until now to share more details. With the more remote area in which Billy lives closed off completely, we have been unable to reach him with physical supplies or deliveries.

With that said, we have ultimately decided that the goal is to keep the family together safely at home if at all possible. FEMA has told Billy it may be many, many months before power returns. Temporary roads may be built but it may be a year before anything permanent. With winter coming, access will remain very difficult. Billy has months of work ahead of him at home and Mary is hoping to continue working as a nurse locally to assist all the families that will need help after this tragedy. Schools are closed indefinitely. We feel it is so important not to separate anyone and, despite the challenges, we want to make living at home possible for them. This will require additional items such as a whole home generator ( to provide power to large items such as appliances and the well water pump), a wood stove to heat the house (as no electricity expected for months), fuel, tools and machinery to allow Billy to continue working both the home and the land. He has already missed tour dates in both the States and Europe and could be out of steady work for the foreseeable future while he works to rebuild their own home and continue to assist the surrounding community. Your support in this fundraiser will help with all of that and allow him time and resources to keep Mary, the kids and the dogs safely with him as well as easing a huge financial burden.

As his family, we thank you for your consideration. Every single dollar will go straight to Billy and his family. We know this story is not unlike so many others. We are praying for love and support for anyone affected by this storm. Give where you feel led, whether it be directly to a family like Billy's or to an organization that may be able to reach others in a similar situation. It will be years before this is behind everyone and assistance is needed now more than ever.

Thank you again,

Martina