'Trying to climb a slippery slope'
"I was living life to the fullest. I was a happy and energetic person and had this wonderful husband and beautiful two-year-old I couldn't get enough of."
And then, just over a year ago, this wife and mother was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disorder that turned her life inside out.
"At first they thought it was PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), since before my thyroid problems, I had experienced some real traumas in my life. When they finally diagnosed me correctly, they said I had been on the verge of heading into a thyroid storm.
"I've had a job since I was 14 and when my autoimmune problems started, I had been working in retail and volunteering at a retirement facility. I've always liked to volunteer since I believe so strongly in community."
She no longer works and the disease, she said, makes her feel extremely exhausted. It's difficult for her to find pleasure anymore in doing anything.
"I'd say I'm sedated 98 percent of the time now. I'm constantly feeling like I'm trying to climb a slippery slope."
The disease has affected her eyes and she said she can no longer see without glasses.
"If I put my hand in front of my face, if I'm not wearing glasses I won't see it."
She has undergone radiation therapy, she said, because her body had started to attack her thyroid gland. She was told her only treatment options were radiation or surgery.
Her husband, who's employed by a health club, often works six days a week.
"It's really hard," the mom said. "Even with his extended hours, our family has had difficulty making ends meet."
At the time of her diagnosis, her husband had been trying to finish school. Since then, however, that plan has been put on hold.
"They tell me I will possibly have to have a complete removal of my thyroid," she said. "I'll do what it takes to be there for my daughter's 4th birthday because I missed her 3rd birthday due to radiation.
"Children grow up so fast. I would just like my daughter to believe in the spirit of Christmas."
With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for people like this - the jobless, homeless, those who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.
Each year, our generous readers' donations allow us to assist thousands of Kootenai County 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 28th 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 from local retailers who also generously support the program. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.
To give, 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.
Donations can be made securely online at www.christmasforallcda.com
Recent donors: William Boggs, Brooks Sea Plane Service, Inc., Dick and Jean Schmidt, Marston and Julie Westbrook, Stephan Bell, Ione Mullins, Parker and Kay Woodall, Richard and Susan Andrews, Joe and Sandy Wirth, Robert and Helen Hall, Mark and Darlene Nason, Anonymous, Joe and Edelmira Michels, Theresa and Wesley Woods, Pauline Wilson, M.A. Sandstrom, J. L. Sharples, Don Horne Family, Karen Roesler, Anonymous, Joan Gabrielson, Barstow Foundation - Ruth Barstow-Dixon, Anonymous.