Key Takeaways:
- A Burlington grandfather, Ken Ahlm, received devastating news that his cancer may be spreading, just days before flooding in Skagit County destroyed nearly everything he owns.
- The Ahlm family’s home was under several feet of water, and they lost all of their furniture and clothes.
- The National Weather Service has issued another flood watch, effective until Thursday, with more rain expected to hit the area.
- The community is showing support for the Ahlm family through a crowdfunding website.
- The family is focusing on what really matters and finding bright spots in the darkness, despite the challenges they are facing.
Introduction to the Ahlm Family’s Struggles
The Ahlm family is going through a tough time, with Ken, the grandfather, receiving devastating news that his cancer may be spreading, just days before flooding in Skagit County destroyed nearly everything they own. The family’s home, which sits right off the Gages Slough, was under several feet of water, and they lost all of their furniture and clothes. The news of the potential spread of Ken’s cancer has added to the stress and uncertainty that the family is already facing due to the flood. With more rain expected to hit the area, the family is bracing for what comes next, with river levels expected to rise again this week.
The Devastating Flood
The flood in Skagit County has been devastating, with many homes and businesses affected. The Ahlm family’s home was one of the many that were underwater, with the family losing all of their possessions. The flood has also caused anger and frustration among residents, with many questioning the responsibility of the city to ensure that the slough is functioning properly. At a town hall meeting, flood victims expressed their concerns and frustrations to Burlington Mayor Bill Aslett, who acknowledged that the city did not have the ability to plan for better water flow. The mayor’s response has left many residents feeling unsatisfied, with some calling for change and accountability.
A Devastating Diagnosis
Ken Ahlm’s diagnosis has added to the stress and uncertainty that the family is already facing. Two weeks ago, Ken received a phone call with devastating news: doctors are worried that his colon cancer may have spread to his lungs. If this is the case, it would mean that the cancer is at stage four, and there would be little that could be done to treat it. Ken is waiting to hear back from his doctors about the results of his tests, which will determine the next course of action. The news has been difficult for Ken to process, especially given the timing, just two weeks before the flood that destroyed his home.
Finding Bright Spots in Darkness
Despite the challenges that the Ahlm family is facing, they are trying to stay positive and focus on what really matters. Ken’s stepson, Eric Gustin, and his wife Kymber, are grateful for the support that the community is showing their parents through a crowdfunding website. The family is also grateful for the rescue of their chickens from the flooded chicken coop, which was made possible by Eric’s quick thinking and bravery. The incident, which was captured on video, has gone viral, and has brought some much-needed joy and positivity to the family. Joyclyn Ahlm echoed a similar sentiment, saying that "stuff is just stuff… and life is something else." Ken also expressed his gratitude for his family, saying that he feels lucky to have such a supportive and loving family.
The Road Ahead
The Ahlm family is facing a tough road ahead, with more rain expected to hit the area and the potential for further flooding. The U.S. National Weather Service has issued another flood watch, effective until Thursday, and the family is preparing for the worst. The community is coming together to support the family, and the crowdfunding campaign has been a huge success. As the family waits to hear back from Ken’s doctors and prepares for the potential challenges ahead, they are trying to stay positive and focus on what really matters. With the support of their loved ones and the community, the Ahlm family is determined to get through this difficult time and come out stronger on the other side.
