Finally: Some Good News!

Kim learned Friday that she is eligible for Medical Coupons--at least for 3 months! This means that her much-needed surgery will be covered, and this is a HUGE relief for her and her family. She has an appointment in June to schedule her surgery, which will take place in Seattle.

In the meantime, she is now behind on her May house payment, the first time this has ever happened to her. She and her husband have always made sufficient money to pay their bills on time, and now they are forced to declare bankruptcy, which is tough for them to accept.

Being poor isn't for sissies. Learning to navigate the agencies and bureaucracies involved in trying to get help is daunting. So is realizing that you are treated differently when you find yourself in such circumstances. Kim has been treated rudely and feels embarrassed by her situation.

As I mentioned before, Kim has M.S., Lupus, and a heart defect, as well as the recently-diagnosed intestinal problem for which she needs surgery. When her son--now 5 years old--was born, Kim ended up paralized and bed-ridden for about one year. I believe this was a result of the Lupus. Even then, the family had savings to survive until she was well enough to work again.

So now, with medical coverage from the state, the priority of our fundraising effort is to provide financial support to see them through the months ahead. Their main worry is that they will have to walk away from their house. On top of all the other turmoil created by health issues, this would remove the only stable aspect of their life: HOME.

I am asking for your help. Here are 3 suggestions:

1. Buy one or more $5 raffle tickets from me to have a chance to win the twin sized quilt I have just finished. There are just 250 tickets available, and the drawing will be on June 28. If you send me an email (fgwing@charter.net) and let me know how many you would like, I will send you your ticket numbers and you can mail me a check. Or ask me anytime you see me, as I will have tickets with me.

2. Donate directly to the donation account for Kimberly Castro at any branch of Key Bank. There is one near Fred Meyer, and one on Yakima Avenue near First Street.

3. Commit to contributing an amount each month for the next 6 months to help the family make their house payments. I've already had 2 friends volunteer to give $100 a month. That is amazing when you think about it! But I know I myself have so much and am thankful every morning when I wake up and realize I really don't have worries. Thankfully, I am healthy and my family is secure. Any amount you can give will help!

Kim is so grateful for the help provided from you, my dear friends. So far I know of at least $1000 you have given. Checks for the raffle or donations may be made out to Kimberly Castro.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Gayle

Update on Fundraising for Kim

Since my last posting, Kim's 18 year-old daughter has been diagnosed with cervical cancer. At least she will be eligible for medical coverage. Kim has been ill this past week, and spent one night in the hospital. She has received a little assistance from the Salvation Army, but is now behind in her house paymemtn.

So many of my good friends have gotten involved and helped me with exploring options about fundraising. I'll start selling raffle tickets for the quilt soon. On June 5 our Tancara neighborhood will hold our annual yard sale. Several friends have donated great items for the sale, and all proceeds from our sale will be going to Kim's fund.

If you can help with a donation, any amount will be appreciated. Simply go to any branch of Key Bank and make a donation to the Kim Castro donation fund.

Here is a photo of the twin-sized Garden Trellis Quilt, which I am now machine quilting. Only 250 tickets will be sold, so your odds are good. A $5 ticket buys you a chance to win, plus an opportunity to know you are helping someone in need on a personal level. Let me know how many tickets you want. The drawing will be sometime in June, date to be determined.

Thanks to all!

A friend in need , , ,

I need to help my friend, Kim. I keep thinking that we are all just an illness away from disaster. I hope you will read a bit about her situation, and if there is a way that you can help her that you will let me know.

Kim is 40, a wife, and the mother of three, from kindergarten age through high school. Her husband has worked for 17 years as a maintenance person for a local business, and she has worked hard for years. She does home health care for elderly, but recently her remaining client moved to an assisted living situation. She has been cleaning houses--she does my home and is the hardest working person I've seen.

She has M.S. and lupus, but despite this she and her family have gotten by. Now she has intestinal problems, and has to have a good portion--perhaps all--of her large intestine removed. The surgery is costly--not to mention she won't be able to work for quite some time.

Her family has no medical insurance, and they don't qualify for medical coupons, as her husband "makes too much." They have put their home with acreage in Selah up for sale, she has been selling household goods, doing whatever she can to try to make the house payments and electricity payments. She says the worst part is watching how the worry and uncertainty have aged her husband and affected her children. She recently cancelled medical appointments in Seattle for her M.S. follow-up--the gas is too costly to make the trip.

I am looking for some guidance and direction in how to help her. Here is what I am doing:

1. Our Tancara yard sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 5. I'm donating my proceeds to her. If you have any items to donate, I will work with you to get them here.
2. A bank account has been set up by some of her friends at Key Bank in the name of Kimberly Castro. Donations will be gratefully accepted.
3. I'm visiting my church this week to see if there is help for the immediate need of keeping her electricity on.
4. I'm working on a quilt. I'm hoping to sell raffle tickets on it--don't know if I have to go through the Gambling Commission--does anyone have info? When the time comes, if you are interested in buying--or selling--raffle tickets or putting them in your work place, I would appreciate that.
5. I've never set up a spaghetti feed or anything, but would work on a fundraiser if someone has the know-how.

Kim is a humble person. She never thought she would be in this situation. She's been denied help by D.S.H.S. and got no response from her church.

Thinking about her plight has kept me awake at night. Please excuse this lengthy plea, but I cannot just do nothing. Please contact me if you would like more info or have suggestions.