“Takes things in life and puts them in perspective for sure”; KY woman’s family trapped in Asheville, NC

WINCHESTER, Ky. (WKYT) - No one could have expected how Hurricane Helene would ravage areas of western North Carolina.

"I talked to my mom by text on Friday morning. She said it was getting pretty windy and rainy. But they had no idea, they didn't think it would be catastrophic," said Lauren Brooke.

Including Asheville where Lauren's 80 and 81-year-old parents Karen and Ron Scheinman live.

"I finally, briefly got a text from her Saturday night saying she's okay. There's no power, no water. They're eating peanut butter sandwiches. And they didn't know what was going on because no one could get information to them. It's bad there. Neighbors are helping neighbors," Brooke said.

With minimal communication, Lauren said people have been relying on Facebook community groups to try and locate their loved ones.

"People are desperate for information. It's rough. Makes it hard to sleep, hard to focus. Takes things in life and puts them in perspective for sure."

Lauren's dad also has late stage dementia. Without his doctors and normal routine, she's worried for her parents' mental states. Lauren is doing her best to make plans to get to Asheville whenever it's physically possible to do so.

And she's taking supplies, like bottled water, non-perishables and dog and cat food with her when she goes.

"To see random people reaching out, or people I haven't heard from since grade school, say 'How can I help?' 'Where can I donate?' Or 'I'm trying to get into Asheville also.' It restores your faith in humanity. It really does."

If you'd like to donate money or supplies, Brooke said she'll be taking anything she can down to North Carolina with her when she goes. You can find her on Facebook, at 'Lauren Sparer Brooke'.