I am a part of all I have met.
-Alfred Tennyson
There are spiritual paths that consider us all as one living entity. Followers of these paths recognise that when there is suffering in this world, even among those that we do not know directly, there is suffering within our own spirits.
In our own community here on dKos, we are seeing the effects of this failed economy built by and for the most wealthy in our world. Diaries such as this one by "Mrs. K." poignantly reveal the effects of hardship on the smallest members of our society. KINship has received further first hand accounts of people spending the holidays alone, parents who cannot afford to give gifts this year, Kossacks who are close to (or in the midst of) foreclosure, who cannot cover medical bills, or are in such need of professional assistance that they don't know where to turn.
You, my dear dKos community, have showed KINship and those requestors tremendous support. We thank you, and we request your help again.
Let's get this out of the way before I share today's story in detail - at the bottom of this email, you will find our ChipIn widget to make donations via PayPal quick and simple. If you don't want to use PayPal, email us at kinshipplanning@gmail.com and I'll give you an address where we can accept checks. Donations are not tax deductible - we are not yet a 501(c)(3), but we're considering filing in 2009.
At the end of the diary, you'll also find links where you can offer to assist KINship, or where you can request assistance by KINship.
Now, I wish to highlight a very unique situation where funds are far less important (albeit necessary) than professional expertise and personal connections.
Tina* and Barry* (names changed to protect their identities) have been married about 28 years. Twenty-Six years ago, they had a daughter, Karen* and two years later, they had Katie*. Karen and Katie were both born with severe medical problems. They have a rare Leukodystrophy disorder that is listed under the types of Leukodystrophy disorders under the United Leukodystrophy Foundation.
Karen (age 26) and Katie (age 24) will never be able to live on their own. They both must use metal hand crutches and wheelchairs to get around; their skin is thick, dry and scaly. Doctors have told their parents that their own lives will be shortened by 25 years just by breathing in the dead skin that falls daily around the house. In the United Kingdom, Tina was told, people come into these patients homes DAILY with Haz-Mat suits and vacuum the dead skin. (There is a type of tub that would help their skin, but it costs a few thousand dollars and Medicaid has refused to pay for it). Karen is mildly mentally handicapped but Katie is severely mentally handicapped. Doctors are unable to estimate an approximate mental/emotional age on her because of her behavior. She throws temper tantrums, as well as hits herself in the head, etc. and is uncontrollable at times.
In addition to the disorder that their daughters share, Tina and Barry share severe pain and disabilities, and are selling their house in order to pay off all of the living and medical expenses that have accumulated. Tina suffers from anxiety and depression disorders, and has been told that she needs to seek psychiatric treatment - unfortunately, the psychiatrists provided by Medicaid won't see her until nearly February.
They really need an attorney willing to fight for Barry’s disability; they also need medical treatment for their neck and back injuries; Tina needs psychiatric care and support – she is barely functioning anymore. They are living on the SSI checks Karen and Katie receive each month. They need emotional support to know that people actually care and they need financial support until he can FINALLY get approved for Disability.
I know I am asking for a lot for them, but they are just emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually overwhelmed. If you have any suggestions, please, let me know. Is it possible for them to be "adopted" by other members willing to help them through this hard time? Everyone is going through difficult times right now, but their story is one that you would not believe could happen in America.
This family lives in Louisiana. Their needs are as follows:
- An attorney to fight for Barry's disability (SSD refuses to release Barry's records to their Senator, who has offered to help. She says she's never seen them do that before). He has been told he needs to return to work by 2010, or he'll lose all benefits.
- GOOD psychiatric treatment for Tina, preferably sooner rather than later.
- Medical treatment for Tina and Barry.
- Emotional support - and I'd like your opinions here. How can we lend them some emotional support here? Ideas?
- Financial support - if you wish to donate and wish the money ONLY go to this family, please send kinshipplanning@gmail.com an email letting us know the amount of your donation and the email it came from, and we'll ensure it gets directly to them.
- Mover and Shaker support - do you know ANYONE that might be able to help this family out, politically or professionally? If so, please email us.
"Years ago I recognized my kinship with all living things, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on the earth. I said then and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal element, I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free."
-Eugene v. Debs
Thank you for reading about our family in Louisiana, and for all help that you may be able to recommend or directly provide. To ChipIn to the KINship effort financially, please use the following widget:
If you wish to volunteer, if you wish to donate, if you can provide local services, want to send gifts to a family in need in December, or can provide a seat at the table for holiday gatherings, or can offer anything else (be creative!) visit our Donor Page here.
If you are in need or have a request, visit our Request Page here.
As always, thank you for your attention, your support, your suggestions, and your donations.