Hurricane Bonnie
In August 1998, Hurricane Bonnie tore through the southern coastline of North Carolina, leaving a trail of devastation and stories of resilience in its wake. For me, it was another reminder of how natural disasters can compound the already overwhelming challenges faced by women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. In this chapter of our journey, I’ll share Mandy’s story, an incredible tale of survival and new beginnings during the chaos of Hurricane Bonnie.
A Cry for Help
Mandy was from Wilmington, North Carolina. She reached out to our crisis line with a fragile voice, sharing that she was pregnant and unsure of what to do. Having previously lost custody of her three-year-old son due to struggles with drug use, Mandy was grappling with how to manage this new life growing inside her. She wanted to change, to give her unborn child a better start, but the chains of addiction made it a monumental task.
We worked together to find a clinic where Mandy could start a methadone program. This was a critical first step in ensuring her health and the health of her unborn child. But as she started this journey, we were hit with unexpected news: Mandy was carrying twins. The revelation overwhelmed her, and she struggled to process the implications while grappling with her own self-doubt.
The Calm Before the Storm
In late August, Hurricane Bonnie began forming over the Atlantic. At first, Mandy wasn’t too concerned. Hurricanes were part of life in the region, and she believed it would pass her by like many others before. However, Bonnie was not an ordinary storm. It was a Category 3 hurricane—the first major hurricane of the season—and its trajectory was aimed straight at Wilmington.
Mandy focused on preparing. She boarded up her windows, stocked up on canned food, and gathered candles. Despite her preparations, I couldn’t help but worry. The looming storm added a dangerous layer of uncertainty to an already precarious situation.
The Wrath of Hurricane Bonnie
On August 26, Hurricane Bonnie made landfall near Wilmington. Winds exceeded 115 miles per hour, and torrential rain flooded the streets. Mandy’s apartment suffered extensive damage when a tree crashed through the roof, flooding her living room with two inches of water. She spent hours huddled in her bedroom, terrified, while the storm raged around her. Unable to call for help due to downed phone lines, she pushed her dresser against the door for added security.
Mandy survived the storm physically unharmed, but the trauma was palpable. After the hurricane passed, her landlord helped her relocate to a Red Cross Emergency Relief Center. Though grateful for the safety, she now had to endure the stress of living in a shelter while continuing her methadone treatments and navigating an unplanned pregnancy.
Finding the Right Path
In the aftermath of Hurricane Bonnie, Mandy made a pivotal decision. She realized she wanted her twins to have a stable, loving home, something she didn’t feel capable of providing. She gave us specific criteria for the family she hoped to find for her babies: they had to be willing to maintain contact through letters and photos, and they had to be vegetarians.
This was not an easy request to fulfill, but with persistent searching, we found two families who met Mandy’s requirements. After heartfelt conversations with both, she chose the Bergen family, who had been through years of heartbreak trying to start their own family. Their values aligned perfectly with Mandy’s hopes for her twins, and they embraced the opportunity with open arms.
A Thanksgiving to Remember
On Thanksgiving Day, Mandy went into labor. The doctors decided a C-section was the safest way to deliver the twins, and the Bergen family rushed to the hospital. The babies—a boy, David Michael, and a girl, Katherine Grace—were born healthy, despite the challenges of Mandy’s pregnancy. Seeing the Bergens hold their children for the first time was a deeply emotional moment. It was a perfect reminder of why I started Project Cuddle: to create happy endings for women and their babies, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Moving Forward
After the birth, Mandy chose to let the Bergens take the twins home, confident in her decision to give them a better life. She began focusing on rebuilding her own life, attending trade school, and working toward a brighter future. Meanwhile, the Bergen family showered their new children with love, sending Mandy regular updates and photos as promised.
The Power of Resilience
Hurricane Bonnie was a storm of epic proportions, but Mandy’s story is about more than surviving a natural disaster. It’s about resilience, courage, and the strength to make the best choice in the face of overwhelming odds. Mandy showed that even in the darkest storms, there is hope.
The Bergen family is thriving, and David and Katherine are healthy and happy. Mandy is clean, pursuing her career, and looking forward to meeting the twins for the first time on their third birthday. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of kindness and support during life’s most challenging moments.
If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy and feels overwhelmed or unsure about what to do, please know that you’re not alone. Here at Project Cuddle, our dedicated team is here to offer compassion, guidance, and resources to help navigate this challenging time. We’re just a phone call away, ready to listen and provide support without judgment. Reach out to us anytime—we’re here to help you find a path forward with dignity and care. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for you and your baby.
Tune in next month and there will be more to come.
Hugs & Cuddles,
-Debbie Magnuson The Baby Saver