On July 15, torrential, unexpected rains swept through northern Brevard County, Florida. Among the affected areas was the small city of Mims, where Red Cross volunteer Kathy Burkett lives and serves. 

As waters rose and invaded homes, the Red Cross received the call to respond. Kathy, a seasoned volunteer, jumped into action -- even though her own home had just sustained storm damage. A section of her roof had collapsed while she stood on the porch.

Still, her focus never wavered.

“It wasn’t about me,” she said. “It was about making sure our community was served.”

The response area was just five minutes from her house. Kathy and fellow volunteers quickly mobilized, setting up to assist nine families -- 26 people in total -- whose apartments had been flooded. The Red Cross provided immediate financial assistance, cleanup kits, snacks, water and comfort kits to help them begin recovering.

“Being able to walk out my door and bring help to my neighbors was powerful,” Kathy added. “This is why I volunteer -- so I can show up when it matters most.”

Her fellow volunteers weren’t surprised to see Kathy step up, even while managing her own loss.

“It is amazing to me that Kathy helped that day even though she sustained damage to her own home,” said volunteer Mark Chaney who responded alongside her. “She put the people in need of help ahead of her own needs. One remarkable volunteer in my opinion.”

The operation also became a moment of outreach, allowing the team to show local partners and community members exactly how the Red Cross responds -- swiftly, compassionately and with a deep commitment to those in need.

Thanks to volunteers like Kathy and Mark, families in Mims were reminded that even in the face of chaos, help and hope are never far away.

Click HERE to listen to Kathy’s story in her own words.