What else can I do? Sad story, breaks my heart.

[Paper Roses]

Almost 4 years ago, as part of a volunteer job, I met a wonderful woman who was great to everyone. Not just volunteers but especially to customers of this charity thrift shop.
I was made aware early on that she had Fibro and Lupus. She was always upbeat and never complained about the pain she was suffering.
I worked only 2 days a week, she did 5 days. Her reasoning for working so much was that work kept her busy and helped her keep her mind off of the afflictions from which she suffered.(my words) Mind you, this was an unpaid position at a charity whose purpose is to help those in need of food.

About 5 months ago, she was diagnosed with 2 brain tumors. First sign was very severe headaches. She took Advil and smiled even as she suffered. It got worse and when she visited the Doctor, he had a CAT scan done. Two brain tumors on the top of the brain stem. Internal.
Not in an area in which they would consider operating, except as a last resort.

About 4 weeks ago, she started radiation therapy. She has been in agony since. Without going into more detain than I am comfortable relaying or that I know about, she is not doing well. To add insult to injury, she is, like many of us, broke!!!

She has been on disability for a couple of years, and gets food stamps to help her along. I must mention that she has a 24 year old daughter who has health issues of her own and cannot find a job. Most of my friends disability check goes toward her rent. Not much left to live on.

This dear woman is living on the disability check plus $183.00 a month of food stamps. Break this food stamp allotment down=45.75 dollars for 2 people per week or 22.88 each. She has tried to contact the office in charge of distribution of the food stamps to see if there could be a raise in her check, no-one will call her back(great!!!=snark).

Tomorrow I will visit her again and will bring her food to help. I am not in a position to do very much but I'd rather go without than see her and her daughter suffer.
I know we cannot control many our health situations as we age but this particular situation bugs the heck out of me. One of the nicest people I have ever met is suffering. She has no money and the damn food stamp office will not even call her back.

Vent over.
Must go finish the chicken soup I am making for them. Have food bagged up to deliver. I hope she is well enough to go out for coffee. I doubt it but I'd like her to be out of the house for a few hours. Getting old in this country stinks---no other way to put it.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Such a sad, but common, story...

people fall into the cracks.

[In_The_Wind]

2. You are doing a wonderful thing, Paper Roses.

Yes, getting old in this country sucks.

[williesgirl]

3. how can we help, possibly via you?

[Paper Roses]

4. Thank you for your concern. I don't know how to help except my efforts and that of her friends.

Last edited Mon Aug 18, 2014, 08:18 PM - Edit history (1)

I know my dear friend is suffering but I can't think of a way that anyone other than her close friends can help.
She is a wonderful woman and would be helped by your good vibes, prayers or whatever other positive thoughts you can send.
I wish I met this woman years ago. She is one of the most genuine people that you would ever meet.

My thoughts are with her every day, my thanks are to you for your kind offer for help. She is non-political and would never see this post but she is a person worthy of any good thoughts, vibes, prayers you can send. I will help her as best I can and keep doing so. I wish everyone knew someone so good and thoughtful as this woman.

I am distraught just thinking about the future here.
We should all hope to meet such a good and sincere person.
Thank you for your offer.
I expect to see vibes floating above to her apartment.

edited for typo

[japple]

7. What about the organization that she gave so much volunteer time to--aren't

they helping her with food? Does she attend a church that might help with food, crisis assistance?

This story touched me very deeply--it could happen to any of us. Have you contacted Wishadoo, the program started by our own One Grass Root? Dena might have some ideas on ways you can this very deserving woman. What about You Caring?

[No Vested Interest]

5. Are you in an area that has Meals on Wheels?

Although Meals on Wheels asks for a contribution for their meals, I believe they will also provide without payment when necessary.
It does indeed sound like a sad and even dire situation.

Does it seem as though she will succumb to these tumors?
Without being morbid, perhaps a Hospice organization could offer some help re nutrition, if that is the case.

[VA_Jill]

6. I was going to suggest that

Meals on Wheels is a pretty good outfit. Also, could you take her to a food bank, possibly?

[Paper Roses]

10. I don't know what the prognosis is.

I do know that she is scheduled for another CAT scan in a couple of weeks to see if the tumors have shrunk. I can only hope. When I see the results of the radiation, I shiver. It has devastated her. In addition to the medicines she takes, they put her on Prednisone. She immediately gained a ton of weight. The Doc's took her off that drug about 2 weeks ago.

Sad no matter how you look at things.
Did I mention that she is only 57 years old?

Her daughter found a job last week but it created its own problem. My dear friend cannot be alone all day. Some of her family members are staying with her or bringing her to their houses. She can not be alone nor can she drive. It gets more complicated. I hope to hear from her today.
I don't know if the charity for which we both worked is sending her food but I'm going to find out today.

[Helen Borg]

8. No country for old men. You are right.

[Fla Dem]

9. I volunteer at a food pantry, one of many organiztions in my county

that provides assistance to struggling families. Please check with your local county government, or the local United Way to see what is available in your area.