Child's medical mystery leaves family feeling overwhelmed

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.

•••

This family is coping with their 3-year-old daughter’s serious illness.

Her condition is undiagnosed, a mystery even to her doctors. There is no name for the illness she suffers from, and no treatment.

“We’ll probably never know what’s happening within her lifetime,” her mom said.

The dad lost his job earlier this year because his daughter’s illness caused him to miss too much work. The family barely managed to keep their home.

In the midst of this, they learned they were expecting another baby. Recovering from a recent C-section makes it hard for the mom to care for her sick daughter, much less her two older children and a newborn.

Though the dad has found another job, the medical bills are overwhelming, and the family is struggling to get by. Because their daughter has no diagnosis, there are few resources available to help ease the burden.

“There is no help for families like mine,” the mom said.

But Press Christmas for All is “a ray of hope,” she said, especially for her older kids, who’ve been through so much. It’s the only way they’ll have a Christmas.

“My kids don’t deserve everything that they’ve watched us go through, like watching their sister suffer or watching us sell all our things so we don’t lose the house,” she said.

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 MENU on the top 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.