Michelle is the grandmother of 4 year old Jeremiah.
She never imagined that at her age, she'd become a full-time parent all over again ...
"I haven't had a baby around for 20 years and I never raised a little boy so that, right there has it's own challenges," says Michelle, Lokahi recipient.
Jeremiah's parents live in Virginia.
Dad is in jail and Mom is not able to care for her son. So, Grandma is doing the best she can... and it hasn't been easy.
Jeremiah was born with hydrocephalus.
It's a condition where fluid builds up around the brain, resulting in an enlarged head.
When Jeremiah was just 6 months old, a shunt had to be inserted into his head.
It's attached to tubing that lies under the skin and runs down his neck and stomach where the excess fluid is able to drain out.
Last year alone, Jeremiah underwent five surgeries... his next surgery is scheduled for 2012.
Because of the constant care Jeremiah requires... michelle is not able to work.
"With all the surgeries that I have to go through.... he goes to OT, PT, speech, I'm constantly going back and forth between all the hospital and now the school. It's kind of hard.. who's going to let me go?," says Michelle.
As you can imagine, money is tight. She says paying her bills is like a juggling act...deciding which bills to pay each month.
While this is not the life michelle planned for herself, she says it has been rewarding.
"I guess when the baby hugs you...thank you Grandma, I love you..you just..ok, it's worth it, it's definitely worth the sacrifice," says Michelle.
If you'd like to help this family, here is their wishlist:
Jeremiah could use developmental toys.
The family could also use a new t.v. as the one they have now has a fuzzy picture.
They'd also appreciate activities they can do together... tickets to Sea Life Park, Chuck E Cheese ... these are things they'd never be able to afford on their own.
