PA student checks in from flooded Cedar Rapids

The epic flood that has ravaged Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is captured in this photo by UNMC physician assistant student Mary Jo Elam. Elam is serving her family practice in Cedar Rapids and was downtown when the Cedar River spilled over its banks and sent water surging through town.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been in headlines recently as flood waters from the Cedar River ripped through town and covered more than 100 city blocks.

UNMC physician assistant student Mary Jo Elam — who currently lives in Cedar Rapids as part of her family practice rotation — was downtown when the disaster struck.

Many people were left homeless and many more lost their jobs as businesses, offices and stores were filled to their ceilings in water, she said. One of the two local hospitals shut down and the other was without power and ran on generators for days.

Elam’s preceptor’s office was without power and phone but Elam’s home was spared. She, along with her husband and two teenage daughters, helped evacuate the local Salvation Army, which had been an evacuation shelter before it, too, was flooded.

She also worked at the clinic set up at the Red Cross shelter at a local high school.

“There are folks here from all over the country just to pitch in, and we’re certainly grateful.” Mary Jo Elam

She said it’s a privilege to help out and noted that she has been inspired by the spirit of those who have come to help in flood relief.

“To see so many come together for the common good is amazing,” Elam said. “There are folks here from all over the country just to pitch in, and we’re certainly grateful.”

There’s still a long road of recovery ahead, she said, noting that mountains of baby toys, children’s bicycles, appliances and other items line the streets and many homes and businesses have been destroyed.

“It would break your heart to see these cherished belongings lining the streets,” Elam said. “Then you’d hear someone whose home was condemned say, ‘It’s just stuff. It can be replaced, as long as my family’s OK. I’m doing fine,’ and you realize that it’s important to keep things in proper perspective.”

Elam said members of the UNMC community who wish to help with flood relief can donate directly to the Salvation Army or the American Red Cross.