Bettina Freese (AKA The Chainsaw Fairy): A Hurricane Hero

When Green Mountain, NC, was devastated by the hurricane, Bettina Freese didn’t just lose her business and land on the Toe River—she lost neighbors, friends, and an entire way of life. But instead of focusing on her own losses, she became a lifeline for others.

From organizing relief efforts when official aid fell short to personally delivering tools and supplies, Bettina worked tirelessly to keep her community in Green Mountain together. She offered hope to those rebuilding their lives, even as she faced the loss of her own retreat center, Eagle’s Toe.

Bettina’s unwavering spirit (even after an accident with a dump truck while delivering needed propane to Yancey County!) is the heart of Appalachian Phoenix, and we are honored to recognize her as one of our Hurricane Heroes. She reminds us that true strength is found in the people who rise from tragedy to lift others up.