05/20/2025
Without warning, on May 16, 2025 a EF3 tornado with winds between 136 and 165 mph (218 and 266 km/h) tore through St. Louis—and in a matter of seconds, my family’s world was shattered beyond belief.
My name is JoAnn, and I live right here in St. Louis, Missouri. I’m reaching out because my family is in desperate need of help. My brave niece who’s working hard to become a nurse, her three daughters—just 4, 12, and 13 years old—and their beloved cat have lost everything.
Their home, their belongings, their safety, and their sense of normalcy were ripped away in an instant. The children’s clothes, food, toys, and precious gifts—they’re all gone. They are now homeless, scared, and uncertain about what comes next.
Worse still, my sister suffered a serious head injury when the roof collapsed on her during the storm. She is fighting to recover, but the road ahead is long and painful.
My niece, who is currently in nursing school, also lost her essential electronics—a laptop and an iPad—that she needs to continue her education. Replacing these devices is critical to keep her on track toward her future.
We need urgent help. The funds raised will provide shelter, food, clothes, medical care, and a fresh start for these four incredible people who deserve so much more than this tragedy.
Every dollar will go directly to:
• Immediate housing and shelter
• Food, clothing, and toiletries for the entire family
• Replacing the children’s essential items—clothes, toys, school supplies, and comfort items
• Replacing my niece’s laptop and iPad so she can continue nursing school
• Securing a new home, utilities, transportation, and other rebuilding costs
This is about more than stuff. It’s about restoring hope, dignity, and a future for a family torn apart by disaster.
Please, if you can, give whatever you can. Your generosity will be a lifeline in their darkest hour.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with us.
https://gofund.me/5b970903
