Yesterday I drove her to Seattle for an appointment to learn the results of recent tests. She was feeling hopeful that she might not need surgery on her intestines after all. However, the diagnosis was devastating: she has another autoimmune disease. Scleroderma.
In reading up on scleroderma, the information is truly depressing. I am relieved Kim and her familty don't have a computer. One type of the disease causes hardening and thickening of the skin, making it inflexible. She has the systemic type that acts on the intestines, lungs, heart, esophagus, and other internal organs.
Her next step is a total colostomy. She should be contacted soon with a date for pre-surgical consultation. You are probably like me, thinking "How is it possible for one 40-year old woman to have so much bad health, bad luck?" Kim is a strong woman, who, when diagnosed with MS faced the prospect of a wheelchair by saying, "No way. If I get into a wheelchair I'll never get out." Instead she has pushed herself, working through pain and fatigue. I'm just trying to help her face one day at a time, finding some positive thoughts to focus on.
As if all of this isn't enough, the family will soon lose their lovely house in Selah (unless they find a buyer very soon), and will be filing for bankruptcy as early as her husband's next paycheck. She is preparing to sell many of her belongings, and I may be having another yard sale here in the weeks ahead. Let me know if you wish to donate items again, view their home (it's a very good buy since they are eager to sell),or their furniture that they will be selling.
One thing that helps her keep her mind off her worries is working. She is still cleaning my house weekly and wants more work. If you can use some cleaning or organizing, weekly or just once or twice, please let me know! She does great work!
The struggles have been very hard on the kids. Through your generous giving, the family has been able to make three months' house payments they wouldn't otherwise have been able to meet. Also, we were able to get the boys some school clothes and supplies. Kim can't believe that people she doesn't know can be so generous. I just tell her I am blessed to have fantastic, caring friends!
If you can see your way to give a bit more, I'm working on getting funds for Ethan, the 6 year old, soccer cleats, pads, and pay his fees to join a team. This is a very do-able amount. The 15-year old, however, realizes he cannot turn out for football, as it will cost him several hundred dollars. The day-to-day expenses of living are huge. I have told Kim she can be assured we won't let them go hungry.
I have just finished another autumn table runner that needs a home. It measures 12" x 58". It can be yours by making a donation of $150 (you can spread it out over 6 months). Let me know if you are interested.
Please keep Kim and her family in your prayers. And let me know if you have any ideas for fundraising, etc. She's driving a car that is unsafe, and has no funds to fix the brakes. As the blues song puts it, "If it wasn't for bad luck, she wouldn't have no luck at all!"
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