Medical bills strain parents' emotions and budget
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of some of the people applying for help. Here’s one of them.
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This family of six is struggling to make ends meet while coping with a child’s serious illness.
Their 12-year-old son was diagnosed with two forms of epilepsy. His seizures mean frequent medical appointments and trips to the hospital.
“It’s hit him very hard,” his mom told Press Christmas for All. “His seizures are coming more frequently. They’re happening at school.”
When the diagnosis came, the family was just getting back on their feet after years of financial setbacks. Now the parents are juggling medical appointments and bills with work and caring for their other kids.
Two of the younger children are developmentally delayed. One of them also suffers from seizures.
The financial costs are high. So are the emotional ones.
“My stress levels are through the roof,” the mom said. “I don’t sleep. I feel like I can’t provide for my family.”
But despite these challenges, the whole family makes an effort to stay positive.
“I’ve tried to teach my kids that it doesn’t matter how much we’re struggling,” the mom said. “Someone always has it worse than us, so let’s pick ourselves up and offer help.”
This is the 33rd 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 gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level. They are barely making ends meet and they do not qualify for other holiday charity programs.
Some are responsible for children, others are alone throughout the holiday season. Despair is a common factor. But through Christmas for All, they 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.
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 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
To donate online, visit cdapress.com. Click on the menu on the left side of the page to find Christmas for All 2018.
To make a donation by phone using your credit card, call 208-664-8176.
RECENT DONORS:
Dick and Jeannette Compton; Bob and Dorothy Yohe; Leslie Biby; Aloys Glose; Innovia Foundation with Dan and Linda Green Donor-Advised Fund; Rhoda and Clifford Schlehuber; David and Patricia Hoskins; Webb Trust; Nancy George; Craig and Connie Burkhart; The Andersons; Brian and Dana Kroetch In Memory of Fritz and Anne Kindler and Ann Neuman; Laura and Paul Kubica.
OVER $500
Kathryn and Tim Hunt; Keith and Sandie Matheney.