A Light in the Dark

When Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, many of us in the High Country found ourselves facing devastation we never could have imagined. For Christina “Chrissy” Nurnberg, UNC Health Appalachian’s Employee Experience Specialist, floodwaters claimed her home. Chrissy, her partner, Mitchell, and their animals, were all displaced, left with thousands of dollars in damage, and uncertainty looming over them.

Even when faced with her own loss, Chrissy didn’t stop to focus on herself. Instead, she threw herself into helping other employees who had also lost everything. Every day after the storm, she showed up for work, placing the needs of others ahead of her own. Chrissy leads the Employee 2 Employee (E2E) Program at UNC Health Appalachian, a program designed to provide financial support to employees in times of crisis or need. She and her team ensured that our employees received the financial aid, generators, shelter, and the emotional support they needed to start rebuilding their lives.

A colleague said of Chrissy, “She has been such a bright and positive light in a dark time. She makes the staff feel heard and seen while informing them of resources for hurricane relief.” Everyone who meets Chrissy feels her warmth and sees her light. She is a reminder that even in the face of terrible loss, there is always room to lend a helping hand to those in need.

If you’d like to support the Employee 2 Employee program at UNC Health Appalachian or learn more about how it helps our team in times of need, please visit https://apprhs.org/how-you-can-help-after-hurricane-helene/.