Yahm Family/Nick Alessandro Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund

As the devastation of Hurricane Sandy continues, I am forced to come to the realization that one of my very best friends, Stephanie Yahm and her fianc Nick Alessandro, along with her parents Kenny and Linda, and her sister Jamie, have lost much more than their houses and belongings, they've lost countless memories. Kenny and Linda Yahm lived on Wiman Avenue in Great Kills for 25 years. Kenny built his house from the ground up with his own two hands with many years of hard work, love and dedication. While the house still stands, the entire first floor was destroyed by water and has since been completely gutted. Everything including furniture, appliances, clothing and memories have been ruined. Although Kenny and Linda were told to evacuate, they decided to stay and wait it out, for in the twenty five years of living there, water has never reached their house. Unfortunately, Sandy proved them wrong and they were forced to leave their house, grabbing their two dogs, with water reaching above their waist. As if the devastation of losing her family home where she grew up wasn't enough, my best friend Stephanie lost her new home that she shared with her fianc, Nick. Stephanie and Nick were just engaged in May. For nearly one year, (with help from Kenny) they completely gutted and worked vigorously around the clock to complete the home of their dreams. In the process, Kenny and his soon to be son-in-law, formed an intense bond that could never be broken or replaced. On September 1st, just two short months ago, Stephanie and Nick moved into their new home, right next door to her childhood home on Wiman Avenue. I had the pleasure of seeing the house that they made into a beautiful home. Although not 100% complete, it was beautiful, and I was so happy that they were beginning their new chapter in life together! Stephanie and Nick evacuated their house about forty minutes before Kenny and Linda were forced out. They did not prepare for what Sandy delivered. All of their brand new furniture and appliances were destroyed. Most of their clothes and belongings, ruined. Eleven months of hard work, sweat, frustration, and memories, gone. Their brand new, renovated house is now completely gutted to the way it was a year ago. I learned that their last piece of furniture was delivered just two weeks ago... Today, Stephanie and Nick, Kenny, Linda and Jamie remain hopeful and grateful. Stephanie and Nick have moved into Nick's family home, and Kenny, Linda and Jamie are staying with their son and brother for the time being. They still have no power. Offering my physical services to help Steph and Nick with the clean up did not seem to be enough for me and that is why I decided to set up this fundraiser to help not only my friend, but her family. I know that there are many who lost everything and all are helping out as much as they can, but if you could spare even a little bit, it would be greatly appreciated. Family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, even strangers, if you want to help someone and could afford to, then please consider donating to Stephanie Yahm, Nicholas Alessandro and Kenny, Linda and Jamie Yahm. Let's help them restore their homes and lives, and also the wedding of Stephanie and Nick that was planned for May 17, 2014. :)