Family struggling with medical issues, other setbacks
This family began struggling financially three years ago when the dad, 37, was medically discharged from the Army and had trouble finding work.
The couple had no choice but to take their three young children and move in with the wife's parents. They had hoped it would be a temporary stop, but they're still there with their kids, ages 12, 9 and 7. Two of the children have special needs.
"My veteran husband has been out of work for over two years now and is attending school in hopes of getting a job when he is done," the wife, 36, told The Press. "Living space is crowded but we have made it work."
This year the family faced a new set of challenges.
First, the wife's father, with whom the family is living, was diagnosed with kidney cancer and had to have his left kidney removed.
"We were blessed that the cancer was contained in the kidney and had not spread," the wife said.
Then a few months later, the wife's mother became ill and had to have open heart surgery. The recovery has been long, the wife said, and there have been several setbacks.
"We are in an extra tight spot as she has no medical insurance, and now we are faced with how to pay over $354,000 in medical bills that are still growing," the wife said.
Their troubles multiplied when the husband's father suffered a massive heart attack and died last spring, and his mother required emergency surgery.
Any extra money the couple may have been able to put away to use for the holidays was spent while they dealt with family emergencies.
"We would appreciate any help that could be offered to give our kids a special Christmas. This has been a year filled with so many challenges," she said.
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.
Each day until Christmas, we will share 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 26th 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 for Shopko and Super 1. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.
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:
Yelena Tatarashvili, in loving memory of my parents; Gordon & Lucy Hein; Terry & Jacqueline Stratton; Phyllis & Myles Anderson; Dale Curley; Geraldine Gibbs; Scott & Teresa Macphee; W.L. & I.A. Kroon; Thomas & Stephanie Koennel; Jim & Joel Arnoldi; Kenneth & Dee Dee Koep; Camille Beebe; Nancy Ladyman; Harold & Dorothy Baughman; Edward & Susan Leach.
Application deadline Monday
• Monday is the last day to apply for assistance from Press Christmas for All.
The deadline to submit an application is Monday by 5 p.m.
Applications can be picked up and submitted during normal business hours at The Coeur d'Alene Press, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, or Post Falls City Hall, 408 Spokane St., Post Falls.
An application can also be downloaded on Press Christmas for All's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PressChristmasforAll.
All completed applications must be submitted in person.
Campaign needs a boost
• If you can help the needy in your community, please, don't wait.
While there's still three weeks left in this year's Press Christmas for All fundraising campaign, donations are lagging behind last year's pace. So far this season, donors have given $16,350. But on this date last year, Press Christmas for All had raised $22,104.01, so the campaign is roughly $5,800 behind last year's effort.
Because we anticipate record need this holiday season, our goal is $225,000 - $25,000 more than was raised last year. Your donation of any size will make a difference.
Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to:
Press Christmas for All
201 Second St.
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814