Katie McCullen: A Hurricane Hero

During the storm, Katie McMullen didn’t wait for help—she became the help. Swimming through floodwaters to rescue a neighbor clinging to a tree, she was a literal life saver.

Since then, she has run a backyard pop-up supply center, making sure hundreds of families have access to food, propane, warm clothing, and essentials.

She’s delivered medications and heating supplies to neighbors without transportation, and ensured Swannanoa’s large Latino community could access resources, too. “She’s done all this more or less by herself,” said one neighbor.

Before the holidays, she also led a toy drive so 100’s of local children could still receive gifts—despite the hardships their families faced.

And she’s done all of this while being G-tube dependent. “So many believe having a feeding tube limits life,” she says. “The opposite is true. I can do this because I have a tube that provides nourishment.” Katie, your compassion, courage, and resilience have inspired us all. We are proud to honor you as a Hurricane Hero.