PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Gift helps woman access medical care
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those have received help from the program. This is one of them.
For more than 20 years, “Carol” lived contentedly in an RV within a local mobile home community. But when the community changed hands, she was unable to make the updates to her RV that the new owners required and was evicted.
After selling her RV for a mere $500, Carol found herself living on the streets of Coeur d’Alene.
“I thought life was over,” she said. “How do I start over at 61? It scared me so badly.”
To make matters worse, Carol had developed a chronic pain condition called trigeminal neuralgia that made it harder for her to maintain her RV.
The condition causes painful sensations on one side of the face, often described as stabbing or similar to an electric shock. The pain is so intense that trigeminal neuralgia is known as “the suicide disease.”
Carol was homeless for four months, until she turned to the the Street Medicine and Community Outreach program at Heritage Health.
At that time, Carol said her outlook was so bleak that she felt she didn’t deserve help. But with encouragement, she applied for housing and was accepted into Trinity Group Homes.
“I was able to get my belongings out of my car and into a bedroom with other residents that are like me and want a safe place to get better,” she said. “I am now able to have a place to rest my brain after a needed surgery.”
Carol travels between Coeur d’Alene and Seattle to receive treatment for her condition. She’s counting down the days to her next procedure, which will attempt to stop the trigeminal nerve from transmitting sensations of pain. If successful, treatment could give Carol relief for up to four years.
Getting to and from Seattle has been the biggest challenge for Carol, who needed a new set of tires for her vehicle.
Christmas for All made it happen for Carol, gifting her a new set of tires. This means she’ll be able to safely make the trip for a procedure that could dramatically improve her quality of life.
Carol expressed gratitude for Christmas for All and the community members whose donations made it all possible.
“It lifted me up,” she said. “You guys are a godsend.”
Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp.
The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living in poverty.
Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity while the community provides a hand-up to help get them back on their feet.
Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.
Here are four ways to donate:
• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176
• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All 2023 and make a secure, online donation.
• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.