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7 selections of fresh vegetables
6 selections of
fresh fruits
7 varieties of
frozen meats
5 bags of
non-perishables
1 bag of paper
products and personal care items
Gifts from a Secret Pal
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When many of us think about what our senior citizen years may bring, it is
easy to see the positive. Independence from the demands of work, the freedom
to enjoy life, and all the time in the world to spend with loved ones. But
the reality of entering those years can be quite difficult. 62 year old
Beth, who is new to our program, has experienced changes that she did not
expect. Her health has turned on her and she often struggles to afford three
meals a day. She now finds herself in need of assistance and we are thankful
and fortunate that you have joined with us to provide Beth with comfort and
support.
As you are well aware,
our mission is to help seniors in poverty throughout DuPage and Kane
counties. Here at HSP we see the first hand effects of crushing poverty
every day. Whenever we talk to one of our 115 seniors, many of them share
what’s been going on in their lives. Some being good and some being very
sad. Our hearts always go out to them. Many times we wonder just how they
can get by with so many illnesses and financial troubles creating
frustration and worry which always takes a high toll on them. For too many,
sharing their stress of not being able to purchase the things they need is
compounded simply by being old. Despite these challenges, some of our
seniors always seem to find something cheery to talk about in their lives.
Many are very strong and courageous. They face each day with a smile,
feeling grateful and counting the few blessings they have. It is an
inspiration for us to see their warm spirits remain positive in the face of
difficult adversities.
Beth grew up in Elmhurst
with her twin brother, younger brother, and younger sister. She graduated
from Elmhurst High School and now lives in Naperville. Despite her mother,
twin brother and sister having remained in the area, Beth says that she does
not see them often and cannot rely on them for support. Her father passed in
his early sixties and her younger brother, whom she says was helpful, lost
his battle with pancreatic cancer last Memorial Day. She was divorced in
1982. Her son and 2 grandchildren live in Colorado but because of her
limited mobility it is difficult for her to visit.
Beth, who has been a
recipient of a kidney transplant and blood transfusion, is forced to deal
with a number of physical limitations. In addition to suffering from
diabetes, she struggles with anemia, arthritis, and cellulitis, as well as
poor ambulation due to a knee that needs replacement. Beth often needs to
use a wheelchair which, in recent months, has caused her to be unable to
drive her car. She refers to the situation as a “bummer” since she used to
be “really mobile.” Sadly for Beth, it has been one problem after the next.
Recently, while traveling on a PACE bus, the straps holding her wheelchair
were not secured, causing her to fall out. Due to the injuries she sustained
Beth has been in and out of the hospital for treatment.
Beth still has many
friends whom she says are always willing to take her to see a movie or enjoy
a meal out. Once a month she meets with a card club to play pinochle. Beth
finds joy in her social time but admits that it has been limited by her
difficulties getting around. Her days are filled with doctor appointments,
errands and phone conversations with her friends which she manages by
keeping a daily “to-do” list. She enjoys reading, especially Stephen King
and science fiction, likes to sew for her granddaughters, and cook from
scratch.
Beth’s monthly income is
$998. She spends $285 on rent, $489 on her car and insurance, and $120 on
medications, leaving her only $104 for food and other necessities. Before
she was enrolled in our Senior Project, Beth would often skip meals. Because
of your sponsorship she can now enjoy a more consistent supply of her
favorite foods. She uses the bananas that are delivered to her to make
banana bread and the vegetables to make fresh salads. We are happy to have
Beth in the HSP family and we are confident that, together, we can help her
get through these difficult times in her life!
Things to Remember about Beth:
• Her birthday is June 4, 1944; Beth will be 63.
• Her monthly income is $998.
• She loves to read Stephen King.
• Her favorite color is purple.
• Her favorite flower is the rose.
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