25 Mar 2024
2 Min Read
Lumberton, North Carolina — What do you do when your life depends on access to power and water – and you’re suddenly cut off from both?
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in the path of Hurricane Matthew recently faced this very threat as they braced for torrential rain and powerful winds. These patients require treatment as often as three times a week and are among the most vulnerable during a hurricane. If their treatment is interrupted for a prolonged period of time, they are at high risk of illness and even death.
Hurricane Matthew made U.S. landfall on Saturday, October 8 and triggered record-breaking floods. In North Carolina alone, the hurricane caused $1.5 billion in damage to 100,000 homes, businesses and government buildings. At least 26 deaths were reported in the Tar Heel State.
Area Manager Kristina Roberts and her patient Jeffery Washington bravely faced the storm in their hometown of Lumberton, North Carolina, where some residents were without water for days due to massive flooding at a water treatment plant [listen to their harrowing story above].
Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) mobilized its disaster response team across five states – Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Virginia – to provide uninterrupted dialysis treatment for ESRD patients. We aim to deliver life-sustaining care for our patients and for each other, no matter the obstacles.
Click here for more photos from North Carolina disaster recovery, or watch this video to learn more about how we are always Prepared to Protect.
