Surviving Hurricane Helene: Floodwater Rescue and Life After the Storm in Asheville

Support the Hawkins Family on GoFundMe

Here's the Story

In our short film, "What Actually Happened in Asheville: A Hurricane Helene Story," we open with a family being rescued from a gas station, including their newborn son.

Fast forward to October 7, just nine days later. Laura, the mother we featured in the opening clip, reached out to us on our The Bergamot IG page after her cousin sent her the film on YouTube. Her cousin exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, Laura, that’s you in the film!” Intrigued, Laura messaged us, and this led to a series of phone calls that eventually culminated in a heartfelt interview.

During our conversation, Laura expressed her gratitude for us sharing the true story of their terrifying experience. After fleeing the floodwaters depicted in the film, her family soaking wet had to walk five miles to get back home. Upon arriving, they discovered their house was completely submerged. They swam and waded through the water just to assess the damage.

The destruction was extensive.

When we sat down with Laura, she shared the challenges her family has faced and their plans to rebuild their lives. She and her husband (both veterans) are working tirelessly to restore their home, which is urgently needed as they raise four children.

Let’s come together to support the Hawkins family in their journey to rebuild.

[greg]

Im a hard old grumpy man sitting here with tears in my haven't cried in years but im leaking now... bless the people that went thru this

[LalaWest]

😢 Jesus please comfort these people as they find their way through this horrible disaster.

[Mommasboy-qe]

It was God that held this family safely together. Fo me I had no lights, internet or water for 3 days…but, my home was ok. I thank God for what I have; everyday. Seek God, he will provide!

[JuliaYstine]

This really open my eyes how little appreciation I have for everything I have. This is all so horrifying to loose all you know in the matter of minutes

[janetstrothman]

That kind of horror having kids in a panic situation like that would probably have done me in... God bless you young lady The Lord had truly been with you all

[sarahcurley]

My sister and family are Katrina survivors. My daughter and I went in to help on the first commercial flight in. They had water throughout the first story. They knew enough to take a lot upstairs but so much loss and destruction. I remember no fresh air; garbage as far as you could see; peoples entire contents, including all appliances, hauled out front. Special garbage removal, including semis. But how you're describing your experience is exactly what we went through. My sister felt what you did. However, her kids were older. I can't imagine a baby and a special needs child. God bless both you and your husband for your strength and courage. And yes, our first responders need special

[pattywolford]

Such a harrowing story…what she and her family went through just to get to her home, carrying a baby, then saving the pets. So glad they survived, but so sorry for the loss.

[HildaNethercuttMclawhorn]

I keep hearing Asheville, there are many, many other places that are in of need help 😢in western North Carolina! I pray daily for everyone impacted by Helene🙏

[Lynn-rgcf]

2 Chronicles 7:14

- KJV: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

[andrealouis-visser]

It’s so beautiful that you connected with the Hawkins family and filmed this. I’m deeply touched and appreciate knowing what helps.

[sherylmarshall]

God is trying to pull this country together. And that's why you've gotten help from so many places and I wish that your family peace continued Love and support🎉🎉🎉

[rebeccabrown]

Prayers for the Hawkins Family! 🙏 I cried through most as she shared her story. As a mother of 6, I understand the exhaustion of getting back home after a trip to Disney. To go from that to your family’s heroic measures to get back home and then save your pets, to watching your home flood, and finally, the love your neighbors showed, you have a story that needs to be shared! God bless you! ❤

[lindagodwill]

Praying and supporting through Samaritan's Purse Australian office. Bless you all.

[rms]

Wow, I have no words! The only thing I can give are prayers!

[wroffinwroffer]

Thank you Jesus for all the survivors and first responders. I had family there and they are ok too. ❤️🙏😇❤️

[rickrader]

We live in Maryland and watched your video of your experience trying to get out of Asheville. You two are such a resourceful couple. We were taken back by what the two of you went through and so happy that you made it. Imagine our shock, when we saw this update about a family that you filmed and their horrendous event. We subscribed and will continue to follow you both to keep us updated. We will continue to pray for all of those affected by these terrible storms. You are a dynamic and caring couple that were meant to share this and assist with the healing of this community.

[ohbabylife]

Floridian here watching from Denver sending my love to all of those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton ❤

[nicolesgarden]

This is awful.. I didn’t start crying until she mentioned the neighbor bringing over the ppj.. 😢heartbreaking

[krissyp]

Praying and just donated. May our Lord bless you and your children as you rebuild. God bless your in laws, too.

[loveearth]

Idk if I made a comment on the previous post, but thank you for your documentation of Helene in Asheville. This has been my home for 17 years. I was hunkered down during the hurricane, and have been blessed. But we all are still trying to get information from our community and how to help.