Florida Woman Risks Her Life to Save Paralyzed Husband from 'Raging' Hurricane Ian

One woman faced a series of unfortunate events, and just when she thought the worst was over, another devastating blow came her way. She remained strong and did something brave. Her actions were life-saving!

Life is unpredictable, and we never know when tragedy will strike. We can try our best to prepare for unforeseen circumstances, but some storms are too powerful to avoid.

One woman faced a literal storm in September 2022—her sickly husband had just returned home and needed a safe place to rest and heal. However, Hurricane Ian had other plans.

Their Home Was Battered

Renee Smith has had a challenging year. Her husband Christopher was diagnosed with cancer and recently became paralyzed from the chest down.

She did everything possible to look after him and was adjusting to her new role as wife and caregiver when the unthinkable happened. A hurricane devastated the Florida area, and their Punta Gorda home was battered.

While others likely see Renee as a hero, she was still shocked by the ordeal and wished she could have done more.

Renee faced the unexpected task of safeguarding herself and her husband from the storm's wrath. The brave woman used a selection of items she had at her disposal for protection.

The Wife's Brave Actions

Renee explained why she took action. The wife realized if she didn't try to save her husband, nobody else would—she did something many people would be afraid to do.

Before hiding under the kitchen table, Renee secured Christopher using blankets, pillows, zip ties, duct tape, and a life jacket. She explained:

"I put a life jacket on him so that if the water came in he wouldn’t drown, he would float."

The wife also cut holes in a blanket and zip-tied it to her spouse for extra protection. Renee felt like a coward for leaving her husband alone during the raging storm that was called a "500-year flooding event."

She Did Not Want Her Husband to Die

While others likely see Renee as a hero, she was still shocked by the ordeal and wished she could have done more.

Nonetheless, her actions were selfless and made a significant difference, helping them survive the ordeal. In an emotional interview, she shared:

"I don't want him to die."

The Hurricane Terrified Her

Millions of Florida residents were affected by the storm, leaving families without power and wrecking many homes. People were trapped inside flooded buildings, and the rescue mission was still underway.

Renee described the hurricane as nothing like she had ever experienced before and added: "It was terrifying." She also shared that the dark sky was ominous and left her too afraid to look outside. Renee said:

"It was almost like nighttime and when the rain started it was like snow."

She Was Selfless

The couple's chimney was ripped from the roof, and Renee was worried it would fall through the ceiling. Thankfully, it didn't. She put her well-being aside and did what was possible to protect her vulnerable husband.

Her time for being brave was not over yet. Despite having an injured arm caused by the devastating hurricane, the wife told reporters that her next task was looking after her husband.

The Husband Was Traumatized

The news station reached out to the couple's daughter, who lived in Nashville, and informed her that they were fine. The gesture meant the world to Renee because she knew her child would be worried sick.

The woman explained that her husband and daughter were two peas in a pod, adding:

"She loves her dad more than anything in the world."

While Christopher was traumatized by the horrific hurricane, he was alive! We send our prayers to Renee, her husband, and the countless people affected by Hurricane Ian.

The Online Response

Netizens and online users watching the tragic events unfold worldwide sent strength and courage to those displaced and grieving:

"This is really sad. May God protect and preserve you all."

- (Confidence Nneka E - Ebikefe) September 29, 2022

"Sending prayers to you all. May God bless you. This truly hurts my heart."

- (Diane Flores) September 29, 2022

"I cannot imagine the horror people are going through and their animals."

- (Zsamira Sol Ronquillo) September 29, 2022

"Looks [like] it has destroyed everything there. Pray for the people."

- (Alex Finn) September 29, 2022

By September 30, the storm was downgraded to a category one storm. However, there were still many dangers linked to the after-effects.

Damaged powerlines and moving around the debris were risks, and citizens were urged to be careful. Hopefully, the people affected will receive the help they need to rebuild in the coming days, weeks, and months.

Click here for a heartwarming story about heroic people who put their safety aside to help an older man. He was trapped in his car during Hurricane Ian and would not have survived the ordeal if not for kind strangers.