Shivangi Sinha
Natural disasters often leave behind long-term consequences that go far beyond the initial destruction, displacing families, damaging infrastructure, and altering lives forever. The emotional and financial toll can persist for years. One such disaster was Hurricane Ian, which struck in 2022 and caused widespread devastation across parts of Florida. Countless residents lost their homes, communities were upended, and recovery efforts are still ongoing. Survivors of this catastrophic event share their harrowing stories and the road to rebuilding in the first episode of NBC’s ‘Survival Mode.’ The program offers a powerful look at how people endured the storm and continue to navigate its lasting effects.
Tom Maes Prefers to Lead a Quiet Life With His Family
Tom Maes lived just a short distance from his daughter Dayna Fancher and her family in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. When Hurricane Ian approached, he chose to stay home, as he had done in past storms, not anticipating the level of destruction that would follow. His entire house was torn apart during the storm. The next morning, his daughter and grandchildren discovered him sitting amidst the wreckage, covered with a shower curtain, holding his wife in his arms. Tom had suffered multiple cuts on his arms and legs and was immediately given medical assistance.
The emotional toll of the disaster was immense for Tom and his family, as Dayna’s home had also been destroyed. Despite the trauma, he has quietly rebuilt his life in the aftermath. He maintains a low profile, preferring to stay out of the public eye. However, he remains an ever-present figure in his grandchildren’s lives—Maryn, Cameron, and Aiden—who bring him constant joy and comfort. Whether it’s spending time with them or simply being part of their everyday moments, he cherishes the time he has with his family.
Bob Campbell Has Honored His Sister’s Life and Legacy
On September 28, 2022, Robert Campbell made the decision to ride out Hurricane Ian from his home in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Though he and his sister, Marti Campbell, who lived just a few yards away, had planned to weather the storm together, Robert returned to his own home briefly to retrieve supplies. That short trip changed everything. The floodwaters surged rapidly, and within minutes, he realized he’d be safer outside than trapped indoors. In a desperate bid for survival, he clung to a tree for nearly five hours as the storm raged around him. While he lived to tell the tale, the aftermath was harrowing as he lost his beloved sister Marti and a neighbor who had tried to flee alongside him.
A graduate of Kent State University and Morehead State University, Robert has since spoken candidly about his experience in interviews, including on CNN. One particularly emotional moment came when the very tree that had saved his life was later cut down. Wanting to preserve its significance, he contacted the Woodturners of Southwest Florida, who crafted a series of handmade items such as a bowl, pen, and vase from the tree’s wood and gifted them to him. It was, as he shared, a deeply meaningful way to hold onto the symbol of survival and loss.
Robert is politically conscious and active in civic discourse. He has voiced opinions on a range of issues, including capitalism, school funding, animal rescue, and gun safety. Though the storm changed his life in unimaginable ways, he continues to honor Marti’s memory and remains rooted in Florida, surrounded by family. Today, he leads a peaceful life shaped by profound loss, survival, and a deep commitment to remembering those who didn’t make it through.
Dayna Fancher is Devoted to Her Role as a Mother Today
Dayna Fancher had spent her entire life in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, and when Hurricane Ian approached, her family of five made the decision to stay put. Having weathered storms in the past, they assumed this one would be no different. But the hurricane turned out to be far more destructive than anything they had faced before. Both her own home and that of her parents were destroyed. During the worst of the storm, they took shelter first in a windowless bathroom, then in a former office room. Once it passed, she and her family rushed to check on her parents, finding her father, Tom Maes, badly injured and cradling her mother.
Dayna’s daughter, Maryn Fancher, has publicly shared aspects of their harrowing experience, and the family later settled an insurance claim related to the storm damage. Her two sons, Cameron and Aiden Fancher, have not been as vocal, but have shown the strength in their own way. On the first anniversary of Hurricane Ian, Dayna participated in a reflective project where she wrote a letter to the version of herself that existed before the disaster. Although she had expressed doubts about staying in Fort Myers Beach, Dayna and her husband Matt Fancher have remained in the area. The latter is currently serving as Vice President at Everglades Pinestraw, and the couple’s three children have played a crucial role in helping them find strength and purpose again. Dayna has embraced her journey of survival and has learnt from the incident. She has shown resilience in every way possible and continues to rebuild her life with her community.
Read More: Cleveland Abduction Survivors: Where Are They Now?
