Auto wreck, knee injury began family's struggles

The last two years have been a struggle for this family, but the mom says this holiday season has been particularly challenging.

The family's financial stability began to unravel seven years ago, when the mom was in an auto wreck. She injured her back and has since developed arthritis.

Insurance didn't cover a significant amount of her medical bills, and she still has $15,000 in debt hanging over her head.

Then, a few years later, an innocent game of softball resulted in a major knee injury that required surgery.

"I am in constant pain for both injuries," she said. "We are living off of my husband's income and my disability."

Her disability benefit doesn't amount to much, she said, after they deduct $100 per month for Medicare, which she recently qualified for, and taxes.

"Yes, they tax Social Security disability when a spouse works," she said.

Her husband, a veteran and an insulin-dependent diabetic, works full-time, and he'd like to work more. He's been asking for overtime, she said, but he can't get it. The hours just aren't there.

The family's income is $600 per year above the income eligibility level to qualify for any type of public assistance.

After their bills are paid, whatever is left over is enough to put fuel in the family vehicle.

Food stamps are out of their reach.

With their 13-year-old daughter, they rely on food banks for much of their sustenance, and each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, they visit local soup kitchens for their meals.

"It's hard, with all the stress of wondering, 'what bill am I going to pay?'" she said.

Their electricity was shut off twice recently. The first time, they managed to get the bill paid, with help from veteran's services.

The second time, in November, was during a cold snap when temperatures dipped into the 20s. That was an error, she said, but it took some time for the company to rectify the situation.

"We froze, until they turned it back on," she said.

The husband's grandchildren, ages 3 and 5, are with them most of the time.

"It's been hard on our 13-year-old daughter," the mom said.

Her child, she said, is a gifted musician who plays violin, guitar and trombone.

The girl receives lessons in school for violin and trombone through school, and they qualified for a scholarship for her to participate in a youth orchestra.

The musical group allows the family to work off other expenses, by volunteering. The mom said she puts up posters to promote concerts, and anything else she can do to defray any costs.

"I'm hoping, because I have no money, that will get her into college," the mom said. "We need to make sure she keeps growing in it."

Her daughter has been very understanding about her parents' financial challenges, the mom said. The girl knows there won't be much for Christmas.

"But my daughter deserves a Christmas. She didn't ask for this," the mom said.

Because they couldn't afford health insurance, the mother didn't have any medical care for two years. She went to the doctor once her Medicare coverage became effective.

She now has no muscle tone in her leg, and has to wear a brace to get around. She's in constant pain, but said she's learning to live with it.

"There are times I get depressed, but I don't let the kids see it," the mom 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.

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