Greater Rome Times

On the evening of December 16, 2004, tragedy struck a beautiful person that has been kind, loving and caring to so many in the Dawson and Forsyth areas. Sue Stephenson, a friend to many, lost her home, belongings, and precious memories when the Old Bearden house in Dawsonville, burned to the ground.

The past year has been very hard and trying on Sue, due to the loss of the use of her left arm and the inability to work. She was involved in a debilitating accident last November, 2003 and has been undergoing extensive treatments, procedures, and physical therapy, while waiting to see if she would need to under go reconstructive surgery.

Just before the fire started, Sue was with a group of friends and all were asking why they hadn't seen her in the past year. She explained that times had been very hard and until she received her surgery, and started to work again, she just stayed at home with her best friend; her boxer named Asiago.

It had not been more than ten minutes after that conversation when a friend came into El Jinete and told her that her house was on fire and that George, of Hometown Foods, had saved Asiago. She and Asiago have lost everything, but they still have each other.

Donations will be accepted and greatly appreciated from any and all that wish to lend a helping hand to Sue in her time of need. Monetary donations can be made by contacting Tina or Denise at BB&T of Dawsonville (706) 216-5050. A disaster fund account has been established for Sue to receive contributions via Sue Stephenson Fire Disaster Fund. All other donations can be made by calling (706) 531-9953 or mailed to Sue Stephenson @ P.O.Box 1406, Dawsonville, GA 30534. She is in need of clothing, personal items, and household items to name a few. Gift cards, gift certificates or the like would be greatly beneficial in helping Sue re-establish her life and get her back on her feet. Also of special benefit to Sue, would be the donation of a storage area or the use of one, to store all of the received help she will be getting, until such time after the new year, to establishing housing for herself and Asiago.

Sue would like to thank the Dawson County Fire Department, George for saving her best friend and companion, Ric Rack, The Red Cross, The Salvation Army and all the great people and friends, that have come together to help.

Donations Accepted:
C/O Sue Stephenson Fire Disaster Fund
BB&T of Dawsonville
136 Highway 400 South
Dawsonville, GA 30534

(706) 216-5050
Contacts: Tina or Denise Legano
Account # 5147596113
ABA# 061113415