Cheynne Prevatt risks her safety to check on a stranger’s elderly mother stranded by Hurricane Ian
As Hurricane Ian ravaged southwest Florida, Christine Bomlitz faced a growing nightmare. Her 84-year-old mother, Shirley Affolter, had gone silent amidst the chaos of the storm. By Thursday morning, as the storm had passed, Bomlitz was still unable to get in touch with her mother, who had lost her cell phone and was now stranded without a way to communicate.
From Las Vegas, where she was stuck, Bomlitz desperately posted appeals for help on social media, pleading with anyone in Florida to check on her mother. Shirley, who relies on a walker for mobility, was stuck in her Englewood home, isolated by the flooding. The evacuation vehicle that should have rescued her had missed her, leaving her stranded.
In the midst of this crisis, a Good Samaritan emerged. Cheynne Prevatt, 26, whose own home had been damaged by the storm, ventured into chest-high floodwaters to search for the elderly woman. Despite suffering damage to her own house, Prevatt's priority was to find Shirley.
After wading through the devastating floods, Prevatt reached Shirley's home, bringing much-needed relief. Though the two women were strangers, Shirley was overjoyed to see someone. The brief call between Shirley and Bomlitz offered a moment of comfort, though their conversation was interrupted due to malfunctioning hearing aids.
Prevatt took a photo of Shirley, safe and smiling, and sent it to Bomlitz, reassuring her that her mother was alive. "I'm thankful for this stranger," Bomlitz shared. "People are amazing."
Despite the severe damage to her own property, Prevatt's focus remained on helping Shirley. Her own home had been severely affected, with a palm tree crashing into the roof, causing significant damage. Nevertheless, she prioritised the safety of the elderly woman.
"We're going back for her," Prevatt said. "That was the main goal, to make sure she was still alive." Later that evening, a paddleboard was brought to help Shirley reach dry land and safety.
Bomlitz's emotional journey ended in relief, thanks to the selfless efforts of a complete stranger who braved the flooding for the sake of her mother.
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The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields