Disaster Survivor Shares Message of Hope as Communities Across the Country Face Floods, Hurricanes and Loss
Montecito, CA, August 26, 2025 — As Texas reels from devastating flood damage and loss of life and communities across the country brace for worsening storms during peak hurricane season, survivor Kim Cantin is stepping forward to share a powerful message: healing is possible, even in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. Cantin, who lived through the 2018 Montecito mudslide that claimed 23 lives—including her husband, teenage son and beloved dog—offers solidarity, compassion and hope to those navigating the long road of recovery.
Cantin and her daughter somehow made it out alive, and in the years since the mudslide, Cantin has become a quiet source of strength for others navigating grief and disaster. She continues to support survivor communities through speaking engagements and personal outreach, during which she offers insights into resilience, adaptability and hope.
“There is no shortcut through trauma,” Cantin said. “But I want people in Texas and other communities recovering from disasters to know that they’re not alone. There is a way forward. The road is long, but there can still be beauty, meaning and even joy again.”
Her story—of loss, healing and the enduring bond of love—began in the early hours of January 9, 2018, when heavy rainfall combined with deforestation from recent wildfires caused a series of mudflows northwest of Montecito. The incident was responsible for 23 deaths and caused $177 million in property damage. News of the mudslide that ravaged the unsuspecting community made national headlines. Among those headlines was the tragic story of the Cantin family.
Before the devastating slide reached their home, Kim and Dave Cantin, along with their children, Jack and Lauren, tried to escape in the middle of the night with their dog. Separated during the impact, their fates were now out of their control. After waking up half buried in a pile of mud, boulders and debris that had carried her away from where her home once stood, Kim Cantin was all alone, unaware if any of her family had survived.
After being rescued that morning, she learned that her teen daughter miraculously had been found, buried alive, by search and rescue teams. When tragic news of her husband’s passing came, the gravity of her new reality was heavy to bear. But she held on to hope that her missing son would soon be found. What transpired in the devastating aftermath of the Cantin tragedy is a powerful 3 ½- year journey to find her son’s remains, fueled by love, faith, determination, unconventional support and unexpected wisdom.
Following the tragedy, she chronicled her story in her seven-time award-winning memoir, Where Yellow Flowers Bloom, which gently illustrates that even in the darkest moments, signs of life and hope can emerge.
About Kim Cantin
Kim Cantin is a powerful symbol of resilience, having survived the devastating Montecito mudslides of 2018 that claimed 23 lives, including her husband and son, and left her daughter buried alive. Cantin has fought to rebuild her life through unimaginable loss, driven by a fierce commitment to thrive.
In a world increasingly marked by natural disasters, Cantin’s story shines as a beacon of hope, inspiring those grappling with their own hardships. She has shared her message of strength on Ellen, in Rob Lowe’s documentary Madness in the Hills, and in Reebok Founder Joe Foster’s book, How to Survive and Thrive. With a voice that resonates, she has captivated large audiences and podcast listeners alike, offering support to those in their darkest hours. Before this, she was an executive in the medical device industry. Now, she lives in Southern California with her daughter and their two beloved dogs, embodying the spirit of perseverance and love.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
