Medical bills show no mercy
A bad car wreck left one mom within inches of her life.
She slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting a deer and her car spun out of control. She was launched off a 100-foot cliff into a tree, completely smashing her car and causing her major bodily injury.
"The paramedics and fire department had to use the jaws of life to get me out of the car," she told Press Christmas for All. "When I got to the hospital, the doctor told me that my liver was lacerated, all my ribs were broken. I had a collapsed lung. They had to put me into surgery immediately to keep me breathing and I was completely black and blue from head to toe."
She was eventually released after spending weeks in the hospital fighting for her life. Her hospital stay and treatments came with a hefty price tag.
"We are now swamped with medical bills that we don't know if we will ever be able to pay off," she said.
Her husband had a steady job, but it's only enough to cover their regular bills. Christmas for their son is looking bleak.
"My biggest worry right now is that we will not be able to afford to buy our 13-year-old son any Christmas gifts," the mom shared. "I really hope that Christmas for All will be able to help us give our son Christmas gifts this year. He's a really good kid."
This is the 31st 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 cdapress.com/christmas_for_all.
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: Carol Yost, in memory of Robert Yost; The "Guys and Gals at Rusty's"; Willam Tarnasky; Heidi and Ron Gifford; Anonymous; Geri Paradee; Ardell Easterday; Paul and Elaine Kingston; Julie and Marty Westbrook; Atchley Financial Group.