Gatlinburg, Tennessee has always been my home away from home. Some of my fondest memories have been made in this mountain town. From skiing with my high school Winter Sports Club at Ober Gatlinburg on Thursdays, to spending countless hours in the Park Vista Hotel at All East Band Clinic making music in the mountains, to numerous trips to Ripley's Aquarium, eating at Mellow Mushroom, and enjoying my days walking down the strip, Gatlinburg is one of my favorite places in the world.

When I found out that the wildfires were reaching Gatlinburg, my heart started breaking. I felt pain as I realized what was happening to my beloved Smoky Mountains. I stayed up until 2 A.M. searching for updates and crying for this town. There was nothing we could do but pray that God would stop the fires and pray for all those fighting the fires.

It's no secret that the wildfires in Tennessee have been ridiculous since the beginning of November. My hometown has suffered from fire at a local Boy Scout Camp and numerous fires within my county. Neighboring counties have experienced fires as well. I remember coming home and seeing smoke nestled in the mountains. My town smelled like we were hosting the world's largest bonfire on the day before Thanksgiving. Not only could you see the smoke, but the smell would almost make you nauseous. With all this being said, it is nothing compared to what has happened to Gatlinburg.

This beautiful tourist attraction town is damaged, but not completely gone. However, many families have lost their homes, people have lost their businesses, and wildlife have lost habitats. The people of Gatlinburg need our help.

Whether it be by prayer, donating food and water, or by monetary donation, any little bit will help. Friends of the Smokies are accepting donations, along with the American Red Cross, and Dolly Parton's My People Fund. You can also purchase a Smokies Strong t-shirt to support the American Red Cross as they assist Gatlinburg as well. These are just a couple of the ways that you can help.

East Tennessee will remain Smokies Strong. Gatlinburg will rise again and be back, better than ever. Tennesseans from all over have truly shown why this is called the volunteer state. I am proud to live in a state where everyone helps each other and our faith is strong.