From Chaos to Connection: A Family’s Journey After Hurricane Helene

Kansas City, Mo. — A Journey from Chaos to Connection

Imagine boarding a plane in the midst of a storm’s aftermath, filled with anxious passengers who just want to leave the chaos behind. That was the scene for Holly LeGros, who recently made the emotional trip from Asheville, North Carolina, to Kansas City, Missouri, to reunite with her daughter, Danielle LeGros. As they flew, many of the passengers sighed and wiped away tears, peering out the windows at the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.

Leaving Chaos Behind

Holly found herself in an unfortunate predicament: her home was relatively unscathed, but the basic necessities of life were in short supply. “I couldn’t stay in the conditions I was in,” she explained. Without running water and no internet to work, it felt like it was time to leave. Most of her artsy and mountainous neighborhood was left reeling from fallen trees and tangled power lines, creating an environment that trapped many residents, including Holly. “We were trapped because of debris and power lines all down,” she said, expressing her frustration.

The Storm that Never Ended

For about four strenuous hours on the morning of September 27, Holly and her neighbors experienced the sheer terror of the storm. “I’m from the Midwest, so I’ve lived through tornadoes and that, but you have to imagine a tornado that doesn’t stop; that sound, that wind, that noise, that fear,” Holly recalled. She was determined to find a way to communicate with her family, so on Saturday evening, she and her neighbors trekked about five miles in search of cellular service. That was the moment Holly could finally tell Danielle that she was okay. “I could hear the fear in her voice, and then I just felt very helpless,” said Danielle, who anxiously awaited news from her mother.

Community in Crisis

Even in the darkest times, a little light can shine through. Holly described how her neighbors formed a strong bond amidst the chaos. They gathered at one person’s house, where a generator allowed them to share food and stories. It was a sight to behold: neighborly musicians coming together under the stars, strumming guitars and lifting spirits with heartfelt songs. “Under the stars, lay in the grass, and just fill us with hope and healing and that community of being together,” Holly shared warmly.

Reaching Out for Help

In Kansas City, Danielle faced her own challenges. Desperate to get her mom to safety, she organized a GoFundMe campaign, but even that wasn’t smooth sailing. Technical issues with an old PayPal account delayed the process, but they soldiered on, determined to get Holly home. Thankfully, a friend’s offer of flight miles ultimately made the journey possible. “I just collapsed in her arms,” Holly said of reuniting with her daughter in Kansas City. “It just felt so good to be here and on dry land.” However, mixed emotions swirled as she experienced guilt for leaving her friends behind.

Concern for the Community

The aftermath of the storm doesn’t end with the physical damage. One of Holly’s primary concerns was the local water supply. Asheville’s water system is severely damaged, and repairs could take weeks, leaving many residents without access to drinking water. “People don’t understand, when you have no cell service, no internet, but with no running water, what starts to happen and the desperation,” Holly explained with concern.

Holding Onto Hope

As the days go by, Holly can’t help but think about her friends who remain in Asheville. There’s someone missing, unaccounted for, adding to the weight of uncertainty and distress. “We haven’t been found dead or alive, so we just keep hoping and praying,” she said, wishing for support from beyond their community. The impending winter brings additional worries; many have lost their winter gear due to flooding, and BeLoved Asheville, a local nonprofit, is working diligently to assist victims in need of housing and warm clothing before the cold sets in.

One Day at a Time

Now nestled in the comfort of her daughter’s home, Holly is taking life one day at a time, cherishing these precious moments with family while grappling with the challenges her hometown faces. She doesn’t know when she’ll return, but for now, it’s about soaking in the warmth of family and the community support rallying around those in need. “This is a tough journey, but we’re in this together,” Holly said, a smile escaping despite the circumstances.