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Couple tries to keep sense of normalcy

| December 15, 2010 8:00 PM

Her husband lost his job just before Christmas a year ago.

The couple never imagined he would still be out of work a year later.

"For a man who has always worked so hard to provide for his family, it has been very hard on him," said the wife.

Life became even more difficult when the wife, mother of the couple's three children, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.

"I felt my world caving in around me, 'Why me?' For weeks I didn't even want to get out of bed but knew I had to fight this battle for myself, my husband and my kids," she told Press Christmas for All.

She underwent weeks and weeks of chemotherapy, and two surgeries - a mastectomy and a hysterectomy. The fight is not over.

In the past, the wife said, her family has always been able to help others. Now their financial situation has deteriorated to the point where they don't know how it will turn around, but they know it can't get much worse.

"We just have to try and stay positive and know there is hope," she said.

The couple has tried to keep a sense of normalcy for their children during this time. They know the kids are struggling with the knowledge of their mother's illness, so they try to keep them from worrying about the family's unpaid bills.

A family member was helping them make their house payments, but those funds have now been depleted.

The couple has a son in college, a younger daughter with autism and a teen in high school.

"They are the light of our world," the mom said. "Our children don't expect much. They understand the situation and realize what we have is our family and that we are together."

With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for folks like this - people left jobless, homeless or who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.

Last year our generous readers' donations allowed us to assist thousands of families in need, and this year we expect to be asked for help from far more.

Each day until Christmas, we will share with you the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.

Donations are collected, then distributed in the form of gift cards to Kootenai County residents in need.

Press Christmas for All is a holiday charity now in its 25th year. It is managed as a nonprofit by The Hagadone Corp. Because it is run by volunteers from The Hagadone Corp. and their partners at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards to Shopko and to Super 1 Food Stores. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products.

To donate, please send a check to:

Press Christmas for All

201 Second St.

Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

You can also call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and donate by credit card.

Recent donors include:

James & Suzanne Babb; Donald & Donna Bresemann; Rolaine & Ronald Brunelle; S.E. & L.M. Burris; Roger & Nancy Clark; Bob Craigo & Carol Resor "In loving memory of Candi Craigo & Dale Resor"; Barbara Crumpacker; Gerry Demaris; Terry & Sharon Edelblute; Employees of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; Clarence & Mary Helgeson; Shannon Howry; Bette Inseth; Jean Jackson; Patrick & Sandra Kegley; Anna Ruth Kenck; Donald & Anny Lemke; Marshall & Dolly Mend; K.V. & JoAnn Nelson; Myrna Norlander, Dick & Jeannie Edinger, Roger & Sherryl Gillaspy, Bob & Jean Schaffer, Carlina Shelby, Patty Skogsbergh & Lynn Prucell; Ethel & Leslie Ratcliff; K. & P. Renner; Romer's Rental; Patrick Sayers; Rhoda Schlehuber; Virginia Smith; John & Kathleen Spellman; Connie Taylor; Ronald & Jean Voights; Westslope Properties; Harry & Rhonda Covelli; Vicki Davis "In loving memory of my Husband Dick Davis"; Allen & Thelma Fulleton; JK & Sandra Matheney; Military Order of the Cootie.