Jennifer Chrisawn: A Hurricane Hero

When Hurricane Helene swept through Bakersville, 25-year-old Jennifer Chrisawn saw that her family and neighbors were trapped—and knew she had to act. The creek below her home had turned into a roaring river, rising fast and blocked by debris.

Wading into chest-deep water, Jennifer cleared the blockage and brought the water down. Then she jumped on her side-by-side and spent hours cutting trees to open up an escape path down Slagle Road—giving her community a way out.

But she didn’t stop there. For the next three months, Jennifer worked with Rise Disaster Relief and Project Skyline, delivering supplies, helping at school distribution sites, and hiking necessities to people who couldn’t leave their homes. She transformed her car into a mobile resource hub and made countless people smile—despite her own challenges as a young widowed mother and full-time caretaker.

Jennifer, your bravery, strength, and selflessness shine so brightly. We are honored to celebrate you as a Hurricane Hero.