WE ARE SURVIVORS HELPING SURVIVORS...
survivor stories
VIDEOS FROM THE FIELD
Mike & Mary Kay
Tennessee Tornado
Emily
Appalachian Floods, Eastern KY
Emily was living with her aunt when their home and everything they owned was destroyed by a flash flood. At 16, Emily was incredibly compassionate in putting her troubles aside in order to care for her disabled aunt. While doing survivor outreach in the area, we found out that Emily had been sneaking into their dangerously compromised home to try to save some of her clothes and possessions.
USDR wanted to give her a gift card for some clothing and school supplies: her reluctance to accept even this little bit of aid was an incredibly moving scene.
Elderly Veterans
Hurricane Ian, FL
“The Hurricane Ian Show” features how we met Navy Veteran Joseph Sull doing survivor outreach in the ruins of hurricane Ian. He had sat all night in his easy chair as the flood waters rose into his home & over half his body. We found him days later, still sitting in that chair as dangerous mold was starting to contaminate his home.
Working with friends & other relief groups (3rd Wave Volunteers) we were able to find Joseph a hotel that was taking in survivors, even though they had no electricity. While checking in on Joseph, we also met his neighbors Marine Vietnam vet Joseph & his wife Barbara who had lost everything. Thank you, Dana McGrath, owner of El Rancho Motel in Ft Meyers, Fla!
Anna Jean & Diane
Appalachian Floods, Eastern KY
During survivor outreach with a family, we took a walk to Home further “up the holler”. Since the home was severely damaged and in a position that no one would likely have escaped during the flash flood, we checked the home for bodies. We met Diane, the sweetest dog in Kentucky, sitting patiently at the door of the destroyed house, waiting for her owner to come home. USDR Investigated where to locate the owner and found 73 year-old Ana Jean. Her story of survival as she was trapped in her home & rode out the flood in pitch darkness is nothing short of a miracle.
We had someone with us who pledged to raise enough money for USDR to buy Ana Jean and Diane a new manufactured home, and that’s exactly what we did. Thank you Anthony Delmedico!
