Family of six struggles with father and daughter's medical conditions
Illnesses suffered by a father and his young daughter have left their family with very little money for survival.
The daughter is only 3 years old, and she has a debilitating medical condition that requires expensive treatments. Her family must travel to Seattle every few months to take her to surgeries at a specialty hospital. They also have to make regular trips across the country for additional care at a facility on the East Coast.
Her parents work to support their four children, but rely on the father’s paychecks to make ends meet. They recently learned that a fifth child is on the way.
Complicating matters, the father suffers from Type 1 diabetes. The medical supplies and insulin he requires are significant monthly expenses. The cost of treating the father and daughter takes a toll on the family’s budget.
“Every month, when we get my husband’s paycheck, most of it goes to medical costs,” the mother told Press Christmas for All. “Christmas will be very hard for us this year.”
This is the 30th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need during the holiday season.
Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. The money collected is distributed in the form of gift cards to those who might not otherwise be able to put a holiday meal on the table or purchase a small gift for a child. The program helps everyone in need, including struggling young families, seniors, people with disabilities and mental illnesses. Many are alone, and despair is a common factor.
Through Christmas for All, these less fortunate neighbors feel the compassion of a caring community during what can be a very difficult time of year for them.
Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers at The Hagadone Corp., the Coeur d’Alene Press and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.
Every penny raised is distributed to needy Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. and the volunteers at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.
Donations can be made by dropping off or mailing a check to: Press Christmas for All, 215 Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
Online donations can be made by visiting http://bit.ly/ChristmasforAllDonations
Donations are also accepted by phone. Call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to use a credit card to contribute.
Recent donors:
Anonymous; Robert & Marilyn Hunt; David and Elsie Casteel; Patrick Ginger Flynn, In memory of our parents; Kathy Henderson; Audrey Schutz; Nancy Ladyman; Gerri Paradee; Dave & Sue Nussear; Thomas & Stephanie Koennel; Llolyn Pobran; Jay & Marjean Agather; Joan Word; Wilma Ednie; Patricia & Steven Retano; Jon & Gladys Kosty.