Loss and Recovery after Hurricane Katrina

Authors

  • Michael J. Zakour Tulane University

Abstract

The summer evening that the author and his wife evacuated from New Orleans was the last day of a beautiful dream. They had lived a wonderful life together in this unique and amazing city. On the morning that Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast, a horrific nightmare began. Within a few weeks after their evacuation, alone in Florida and unable to locate or contact friends from New Orleans, the author's wife, Lori, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Throughout the ordeal, ensuring adequate care for Lori was very difficult. Two months after her diagnosis, she died in New Orleans. It was support from family and friends that helped him care for Lori and find a vision for his future, a mission to help vulnerable people. After a disaster, survivors need assistance to rebuild social support and a meaningful worldview. Social work must provide leadership in ensuring social justice and recovery after disasters.

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How to Cite

Zakour, M. J. (2014). Loss and Recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 13(3), 29–42. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/999

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Section

General Submissions