Press Christmas for All 11-29-2013
June 2013 might very well have been the worst month of this mother's life. It was then that she was diagnosed with stage 3B inoperable lung cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes.
"I've never been a smoker," she said, "so this caught me completely off guard. Since June, I've had seven weeks of radiation, a round of chemo and multiple biopsies that keep finding out there is still active cancer in my lymph nodes. This means, basically, that I don't qualify for surgery."
Before her diagnosis, she worked as a secretary in a tax office. But life as her family knew it came to an abrupt halt the day of her diagnosis. She's getting ready to start her second round of chemo which will, she said, wipe out her energy for Christmas.
"You know, this whole thing's been crazy," she said. "My husband works, but nobody realizes that when you have cancer, it can destroy you financially - it's a huge burden. In the past, when I heard of someone having cancer, I always thought their insurance would take care of it. Well, it does take care of a good portion of it. It's just that there are always leftover expenses when you're having to go to the doctor every day. So far, after insurance, I have about $13,000 in unpaid medical bills."
She has four children.
"I want to live to see my grandchildren some day," she said. "I've got a lot to live for."
Her husband, she said, has been having a tough time with her diagnosis because his own mother died of lung cancer.
"When we found out about me, it devastated him. He works in a job which normally slows down to less than 20 hours a week this time of the year. His boss, however, is trying to help him hang on to those 20 hours so we can keep the insurance. I keep telling him that I don't have an expiration date and that I plan to fight, fight, fight."
She said all her children have known everything about her illness since the beginning and that she has always been truthful with them.
"You know, there's the sorrow of all this, but it has also absolutely brought everyone closer together. You realize that your life expectancy is not very long and that every day you're alive is an important day. Your faith grows stronger and your friendships get stronger. I have a great support group in my friends and family.
"I really appreciate the Christmas for All program. For my kids - especially knowing their mother has cancer - it's really important they get some sense of normality. If we can offer them a Christmas, I'll be one happy mom."
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. The more money that's raised, the more families receive.
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: www.christmasforallcda.com
Coming Sunday:
Press Christmas for All is the late Bob and Virginia Paulos's baby. Sunday editorial.