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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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Helen is 74 years old, and is a woman who loves to
laugh, and who always tries to find the best in everything. We would like to share some information on
this woman whose laughter is contagious, even over the phone.
Helen was born on October
23, 1933, and grew up in LaGrange Park with one brother and one sister. Her
father and one uncle worked in an asbestos factory during the Great
Depression and died from Asbestosis while only in their 50s. Her mother died several
years later in her 70s. Helen’s brother has also passed, and while her sister
still lives in the Chicago suburbs, they have not spoken in approximately 10
years. Helen was married for 28 years, raising 4 children in the Brookfield
area. She and her husband divorced over twenty years ago. She dearly loves her family, which has grown to include 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She tells us how proud she is of the hard-working nature of all
her children and grandchildren, but the deep disappointment that they can
rarely do anything more than an occasional visit is obvious to anyone who
talks to her. Helen depended greatly on one son and daughter-in-law for help
when her home health care is unable to visit, but the couple will soon be
moving out of state.
Helen spends her days
sewing clothes and bedding for dolls, crocheting, watching the Discovery
Channel, and reading recovery and self-help books. In the evenings, she
loves to eat, play cards, and talk with friends in her building.
Helen is an incredibly
upbeat person despite her health challenges. She suffers from osteoporosis,
which makes walking very difficult, and the effects of a long-ago bout with polio,
which, in addition to limiting the use of one arm, causes her to tire easily. Just taking a shower is
difficult for Helen, and she often has to lie down afterwards. She suffers
from eye strain and also has difficulty biting and chewing due to old
dentures and TMJ (jaw) problems. On top of all of this, Helen’s income of
just $599 means that she is left with very little each month to make ends
meet after paying $122 in rent and other necessary expenses.
One thing Helen will
never have to worry about is where her next meal is coming from. She loves
getting a delivery of 90 lbs. of groceries, as well as personal care items
each month. She says that HSP’s service has been so wonderful, that we make
the holidays and Delivery Days truly special. Helen says it means so much to
know that someone cares about her; that she and the other seniors have not
been forgotten. Thanks to you for empowering us to continue to give Helen a
reason to smile.
Things to Remember about Helen:
• Helen’s birthday is October 23, 1933.
• She loves to do puzzles and play cards.
• Her favorite flowers are red roses.
• Her income is $599/month.
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