Donna Fagersten had taken refuge at a friend’s home on the top floor as Hurricane Helene tore through northern Florida, leaving a devastating trail of destruction and more than 100 casualties in the southeastern U.S.
As the storm appeared to calm, the 66-year-old teacher, just days away from her retirement, made a fateful choice to return home to rescue her cat.
When Hurricane Helene hit Florida on September 26, 2024, around 11 p.m., the Category 4 storm triggered flash floods, forcing residents to scramble for safety. One of the hardest-hit areas was Pinellas County, particularly in the Tampa Bay region, where at least 11 people lost their lives.
Among the victims was Donna Fagersten, a second-grade teacher from Ponce De Leon Elementary in Pinellas County.
According to her best friend Heather Anne Boles, Donna was set to retire the following week after dedicating 35 years to teaching. When the storm hit, Donna sought shelter with Boles and her partner, Mike Moran. As the storm surge rushed in, they retreated to the third floor of Boles’ mother’s home, across from the beach where Donna lived.
Boles recalled that as the storm seemed to settle, Donna insisted on going home to check on her cat, despite Boles’ pleas to stay. Tragically, another surge and high winds returned, battering the coastline.
A neighbor later came to their shelter, reporting that someone had been found floating in the parking garage. They quickly pulled Donna from the water and began CPR, but despite their efforts and the arrival of fire rescue by boat, they were unable to revive her.
Detectives later confirmed that Donna had drowned in her home, which had been flooded with water.
Family and friends have since remembered Donna as a “beautiful person” who was deeply committed to her students and community. In a Facebook post, Mary Gleason Lyons, a colleague and friend, described Donna as a dedicated teacher with a big heart, touching the lives of many students over her 35-year career.
Online tributes poured in, with former students and friends expressing their sadness at her passing and remembering her kindness and warmth.
While Boles and Moran are now left to clean up after the floods, which destroyed most of their belongings, the loss of their best friend is what hurts the most. “This is the worst we have ever seen,” Boles said, reflecting on the storm’s destruction compared to Hurricane Irma, where they managed to keep their home and belongings intact.
On a positive note, Donna’s cat survived, and her friends are working to find him a new home.
Hurricane Helene, which cut a destructive 800-mile path northward, left more than 2 million homes without power and claimed over 100 lives, according to USA Today.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger
Do you want to know the secret to maintaining great health even as you age? Look no further than ginger! This incredible spice has been used for centuries to boost immunity, improve circulation, enhance brain function, and regulate blood pressure. And the best part? It’s all-natural! If you’ve been including ginger in your diet regularly, it’s no wonder that you’ve been enjoying years of good health.
Boost Your Immunity Naturally
Ginger is packed with antibacterial and antiviral properties that help keep infections at bay. It also reduces inflammation, which is crucial for protecting your body from chronic illnesses. Moreover, ginger cleanses toxins from your system and supports your liver. To make the most of ginger’s immune-boosting benefits, simply enjoy a cup of ginger tea every day.
Take Care of Your Heart
Maintaining a healthy heart is essential, especially as we age. Ginger has been shown to improve circulation and prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of heart-related issues. It also helps regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and even lowers bad cholesterol levels. For an extra heart boost, try adding fresh ginger slices to warm water or mixing ginger with lemon and honey.
Enhance Your Brain Function
As we get older, it’s important to keep our minds sharp. Ginger can help with that! It improves blood flow to the brain, enhancing focus and clarity. Ginger also protects against memory loss and cognitive decline while reducing stress and anxiety. To give your brain a boost, try blending ginger with turmeric and black pepper.
Take Care of Your Eyesight
Taking care of your eyes is crucial, especially as you age. Ginger is rich in antioxidants that protect the cells in your eyes from damage. It can reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related vision loss while promoting healthy blood circulation to your eyes. To protect your eyesight, consider drinking ginger-infused water or tea on a daily basis.
Soothe Your Digestive System
Digestive issues can be bothersome, but ginger can help! It stimulates digestive enzymes, preventing constipation, bloating, gas, and acid reflux. Ginger is also known to alleviate nausea and motion sickness. Prior to meals, chew on a small piece of fresh ginger or add grated ginger to soups and salads for additional digestive support.
Relieve Joint and Muscle Pain
As we age, joint and muscle pain can become more prevalent. Ginger can be a natural way to reduce inflammation and stiffness in your joints. It’s also helpful for those dealing with arthritis and muscle pain. If you’re experiencing discomfort, try mixing ginger powder with warm water and drink it for relief. You’ll be amazed at the results!
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight becomes more challenging as we get older, but ginger can help! It boosts your metabolism and aids in burning fat naturally. Moreover, ginger helps control hunger and sugar cravings, preventing blood sugar spikes. For a great start to your day, drink warm ginger tea in the morning to activate your metabolism.
Now that you know the many benefits of ginger, it’s time to make it a part of your daily routine! Whether you enjoy fresh ginger tea, blend ginger with lemon and honey for an immune-boosting shot, or add ginger to your favorite dishes, finding ways to incorporate ginger into your diet is key. It’s no wonder that ginger has kept you healthy, your vision clear, your mind sharp, and your blood pressure normal for all these years. So why wait? Start reaping the amazing health benefits of ginger today and experience the difference it can make in your overall well-being!
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