Amid the chaos and destruction left in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, a remarkable story of unity and compassion is emerging across the Southeast. The storm, which landed on September 26, has caused untold damage in western North Carolina and beyond, leaving communities devastated and vulnerable. Yet, in the face of this ongoing disaster, something extraordinary is happening—a powerful surge of hope, resilience, and human kindness.
Heather Kelly, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager at Duke Orthopaedics Arringdon Clinic, summarized the heart of this response: "We were a unified force—a diverse team of nurses, physicians, EMTs, and logistics members, all working together with a single goal: to help in any way we could. Titles didn’t matter. What mattered was our shared commitment to patient care."
For Kelly and the Duke team, that commitment meant transforming a makeshift hospital into a lifeline. Patients from places like Mission Hospital and medical shelters arrived in need of care, and every person on the team—no matter their role—stood ready to help. Heather’s words resonate with the spirit of the moment:
“At that moment, I was just another set of boots on the ground, proud to be part of something bigger than myself.”
This collective spirit extended beyond medical teams. At Duke, Doctor of Physical Therapy students, faculty, and staff joined forces, gathering supplies and donations to assist in relief efforts for western North Carolina. Their work, alongside that of Duke Athletics, illustrated how, even in times of hardship, communities can unite to amplify their strength.
While the damage from Tropical Storm Helene continues to unfold, so does the generosity and resilience of those offering help. Volunteers are showing the world that, together, people can rise above the challenges, care for one another, and rebuild stronger than before.
As we reflect on the ongoing efforts, it’s clear: the road to recovery is long, but it’s paved with kindness and collective action. If the stories of courage and community inspire you, there are many ways to get involved in the relief and recovery efforts. Visit the Duke Relief Efforts website to learn more about how you can contribute.