|
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
|
|
The
health troubles that most people experience as they age are no surprise.
However, that does not make new diagnoses any less difficult to understand
and accept. Many of the seniors in our Senior Citizens Project face a
constant barrage of new ailments that not only bring with them their own
effects but many times complicate already existing conditions. Just a few
weeks of stable health can uplift the spirit of a senior who struggles with
multiple health conditions and the emotional anguish of financial
insecurity. But often there is no relief. Just when 66 year old Hattie, who
is new to the program, felt like she was learning to live with her health
problems, she was handed another diagnosis, this time for cancer.
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.
Hattie was one of 12
children born in Jackson, MS. She moved to the north side of Chicago with
her family when she 7 years old. Her siblings have experienced various
health problems, disabling them from walking and driving and taking the
lives of 5 of them. The seven surviving siblings keep in contact with each
other and visit occasionally if health permits, but each have their own
financial struggles that prevent them from helping each other. Hattie is
widowed and a mother of 6, 3 sons and 3 daughters. Four live in the Chicago
area and at times provide assistance in the form of rides to the store or
the doctor’s office. She sees her grandchildren from time to time, usually
enjoying their company on Mother’s Day and on her birthday. Hattie’s case
worker has emphatically told us that that her children do not provide her
with any financial support otherwise we may not have considered her for our
support.
For years Hattie has
suffered from the debilitating pain caused by spinal arthritis. As if that
was not enough, shortly before being referred to the Senior Citizens
Project, Hattie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Each morning she takes 8
different medications to help alleviate some of the pain that consumes her
body and to limit the damage caused by her conditions.
When Hattie is able
enough to move around, she visits with friends and neighbors. Her daughter
and her sister come for occasional visits and to provide Hattie with rides
to run errands and attend appointments. Most days Hattie stays occupied
watching soap operas and other TV shows and she enjoys making phone calls to
stay in touch with her family and friends. On special occasions, Hattie
enjoys social activities like bowling and bingo.
Hattie has a monthly
income of $1,145. She spends $700 on rent and $120 on her medications. That
leaves slightly more than $300 for her to pay her utility bills, pay for
transportation, and purchase food and household necessities. After being
diagnosed with breast cancer, it became even more difficult for Hattie to
find enough money to afford the nutrition she needs. Before she began
receiving deliveries, Hattie would often have to skip evening meals. Now,
thanks to your sponsorship, Hattie is able to enjoy a consistent supply of
12 varieties of fresh produce, 7 selections of frozen meat, 5 bags of
non-perishables, bread, paper products, personal care items, and special
gifts picked out just for her. She said, “Your service helped lift me up at
a very hard time in my life. I don’t know what I would do without HSP.” We
are happy to have Hattie in the HSP family and we are confident that,
together, we can help her get through the difficult times in her life!
Things to Remember About Hattie:
-
Her birthday is April 11, 1940, she turn 67 in
2007.
-
Her monthly income is $1,145.
-
Her favorite flower is the rose.
-
Her favorite color is baby blue.
|
