Donna Fagersten had taken refuge at a friend’s home on the top floor as Hurricane Helene tore through northern Florida, leaving a devastating trail of destruction and more than 100 casualties in the southeastern U.S.
As the storm appeared to calm, the 66-year-old teacher, just days away from her retirement, made a fateful choice to return home to rescue her cat.
When Hurricane Helene hit Florida on September 26, 2024, around 11 p.m., the Category 4 storm triggered flash floods, forcing residents to scramble for safety. One of the hardest-hit areas was Pinellas County, particularly in the Tampa Bay region, where at least 11 people lost their lives.
Among the victims was Donna Fagersten, a second-grade teacher from Ponce De Leon Elementary in Pinellas County.
According to her best friend Heather Anne Boles, Donna was set to retire the following week after dedicating 35 years to teaching. When the storm hit, Donna sought shelter with Boles and her partner, Mike Moran. As the storm surge rushed in, they retreated to the third floor of Boles’ mother’s home, across from the beach where Donna lived.
Boles recalled that as the storm seemed to settle, Donna insisted on going home to check on her cat, despite Boles’ pleas to stay. Tragically, another surge and high winds returned, battering the coastline.
A neighbor later came to their shelter, reporting that someone had been found floating in the parking garage. They quickly pulled Donna from the water and began CPR, but despite their efforts and the arrival of fire rescue by boat, they were unable to revive her.
Detectives later confirmed that Donna had drowned in her home, which had been flooded with water.
Family and friends have since remembered Donna as a “beautiful person” who was deeply committed to her students and community. In a Facebook post, Mary Gleason Lyons, a colleague and friend, described Donna as a dedicated teacher with a big heart, touching the lives of many students over her 35-year career.
Online tributes poured in, with former students and friends expressing their sadness at her passing and remembering her kindness and warmth.
While Boles and Moran are now left to clean up after the floods, which destroyed most of their belongings, the loss of their best friend is what hurts the most. “This is the worst we have ever seen,” Boles said, reflecting on the storm’s destruction compared to Hurricane Irma, where they managed to keep their home and belongings intact.
On a positive note, Donna’s cat survived, and her friends are working to find him a new home.
Hurricane Helene, which cut a destructive 800-mile path northward, left more than 2 million homes without power and claimed over 100 lives, according to USA Today.
Unlocking the Advantages of Left-Side Sleeping for Brain, Digestive, and Glymphatic Health
Optimizing your sleep position isn’t just about finding comfort; it can also positively influence your health in surprising ways, with left-side sleeping emerging as a potentially beneficial choice that often goes unnoticed. Research suggests that adopting this position can yield significant advantages, including enhanced brain function, improved digestion, and overall well-being.
Choosing to sleep on your left side facilitates the efficient drainage of waste from your brain. This process supports the glymphatic system, responsible for eliminating toxins and waste, thus potentially reducing the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, left-side sleeping can positively impact digestive health. The positioning of the stomach and pancreas on the left side of the body facilitates the flow of digestive juices and enzymes, promoting smoother digestion and potentially alleviating issues like acid reflux and heartburn.
In addition to these benefits, adopting the left-side sleeping position can enhance circulation and reduce snoring. It promotes better blood flow throughout the body, thereby supporting cardiovascular health and lowering the risk of conditions like hypertension. Furthermore, it helps keep airways clear, reducing the likelihood of snoring and ensuring a more restful night’s sleep for both the sleeper and their partner.
However, it’s crucial to prioritize personal comfort when selecting a sleep position. While left-side sleeping offers numerous advantages, some individuals may find it uncomfortable. In such cases, it’s important to explore other positions that facilitate restful and uninterrupted sleep.
In summary, experimenting with left-side sleeping can yield positive effects on brain health, digestion, and overall sleep quality. By aiding waste removal from the brain, supporting digestion, and enhancing circulation, this sleep position can contribute to a healthier and more rejuvenating sleep experience.
Feel free to share this valuable information with your loved ones to raise awareness of the potential benefits of left-side sleeping and encourage healthier sleep habits.
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