Imagine going from a caregiver, to barely being able to care for yourself.
"Mike" is extremely grateful to be alive for another holiday season.
Fifteen years ago, he was diagnosed with a life threatening disease and has been hospitalized numerous times over the years . He never thought he'd live to see 2012.
But "Mike" is now "stable" and lives alone on social security disability. He lives in subsidized housing and accepts food deliveries three times a month.
Accepting this type of assistance has not been easy for Mike. He was once a hardworking nurse whose job it was to care for others. Now, he struggles just to care of himself.
One of the symptoms of Mike's illness is Neuropathy, or painful nerve damage. It includes muscle weakness, cramps and spasms, and produces numbness and pain, and sensitivity to touch.
In spite of these symptoms, a caseworker, who recently made a home visit, discovered that Mike was sleeping on a hard, uncarpeted floor. Mike had never once complained or indicated the need for a mattress. Rather, when his case worker asks if Mike needs anything, he always replies that he is fine, and that he is sure someone else needs more help than he does. Even this story was submitted not by Mike, but by his case worker.
If you'd like to help mike, please consider donating a bed. Sheets and a pillow would also be appreciated.
Many island families could use our help this holiday season. So please, stop by and see us Saturday, December 3 at one of our drives, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our volunteers will be collecting new unwrapped gifts. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
