LONDON, Ky. (WKYT) – Michelle Baker and her sister Chasity Whited said the night of May 16 was one they will never forget.
This is because their sister Samanthi’s London home was destroyed by the tornado.
“We were here in probably 5 minutes. It was just surreal, something that you really feel like it’s a movie scene,” Whited said.
The two tell WKYT while they were relieved to find their sister was okay—they were devastated to learn their cousin Lisa Fortney was among those killed during the tornado.
“She meant the world to us. She was more like a sister than a cousin. And I don’t want anybody to forget her,” Baker said.
Baker said seeing people from London and beyond helping survivors pick up the pieces inspired her to create their non-profit London KY Strong.
“So all that just kind of played in my head and played in my head and I really thought you know I want to do something. Like I want to be able to do something to kind of help with what’s going on now, but we don’t know when this is going to happen again,” Baker said.
The organization will be a hub for all things storm relief, now and in the future, including an ongoing storm fund.
“A lot of times when you’re raising money for a certain event, you are knocking on doors, you know, and that’s not been the case,” Baker said.
At 7 p.m. on July 12 at the London Farmers’ Market, the nonprofit will host a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims of the tornado.
The pair said this is only the beginning for London Ky Strong.
“So every year, like these people that lost their lives, I want people to remember those and they will always be honored at every event we do from here on out,” Baker said.
Baker said next year, London Ky Strong will honor the victims with its 5k on May 17th.
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