The couple’s children are helping to lift them out of a dark time.

BURLINGTON, Wash — A Burlington grandfather received devastating news that his cancer may be spreading just days before flooding in Skagit County destroyed nearly everything he owns. Now he and his wife are bracing for what comes next, with river levels expected to rise again this week.

More rain is on the way for people living in Skagit County’s floodplains. The National Weather Service has issued another flood watch, effective until Thursday.


‘We lost everything’

In last week’s floods, the Ahlm family’s home was under several feet of water.

“Everything,” said Ken, emotion visible on his face. His wife Joyclyn Ahlm added, “We lost all of our furniture, all of our clothes.”

Their home sits right off the Gages Slough, which typically drains into the Skagit River. The slough got backed up Friday, and residents are angry at Burlington city leaders.

“Is it the responsibility of the city to make sure that slough is doing what it’s supposed to do?” one flood victim asked at a town hall meeting Monday.

Burlington Mayor Bill Aslett said he didn’t have the ability to plan for better water flow.

“We’re asking for change,” another flood victim told the mayor. “Are you our mayor? Are you the person that we go to for change?”

Things could get even worse, as the Skagit River is expected to hit major flood stage again later this week.

“We’re working to get moved out of there and find another place to live,” said Joyclyn.


A devastating diagnosis

The Ahlms can’t catch a break.

“You know I got so many tests that gotta be run, and then on top of all that, moving,” he said, fighting back tears.

Two weeks ago, Ken got a phone call with devastating news: doctors are worried his colon cancer may have spread to his lungs.

“And if it did that, then it’s stage four, and there’s nothing they can do about it,” he said.

He learned of this concern just two weeks before losing everything in the flood.

“The water filled up all the way up past the door,” said Ken.

It’s why he spent Monday night at the Burlington City Council’s town hall, advocating for the things he can control, while waiting on the things he can’t.


Finding bright spots in darkness

As Ken awaits details on his prognosis, his family is reminding themselves to focus on what really matters. Even in darkness, bright spots peek through.

“It was a lot better than it could have been for sure,” said Eric Gustin, Ken’s stepson.

Eric and his wife Kymber said they are grateful that the community is showing support for their parents, Ken and Joyclyn, on a crowdfunding website.

“Stuff is absolutely just stuff and life, even at its smallest form, is super important,” said Kymber Gustin, Ken’s stepdaughter-in-law.

The Gustins helped rescue the Ahlms’ many chickens from their flooded chicken coop Friday. In a KING 5 video that has since gone viral, Eric can be seen using a kayak to bring the chickens to higher ground.

Joyclyn echoed a similar sentiment to our news crew on Friday.

“I mean stuff is just stuff… and life is something else,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ken said he feels grateful to “have great family.”

The U.S. National Weather Service reports that deep and swift flood waters will inundate and possibly damage many roads, farmlands and residential areas later this week, and that levees may be damaged. Flood areas will also include streams in the Skagit basin. 

For an up-to-date flooding forecast on the Skagit River, visit this link.