Couple need car, cleaning services
these two souls together in this adventure we call life,” he told attendees.
They celebrated with a cake donated by the Cake Plate.
The past few years have been especially trying for Haltom and Townsend. Their deteriorating health has made them unable to work, and bills have piled up. Each day, they must travel from one doctor’s appointment to the next in an unreliable car that’s almost 20 years old.
“This is a victory — a celebration — for these guys,” said Hunter Townsend, their son. “We’ve had to get over so many things, but we’ve just used that as an opportunity to grow closer together.”
American-Statesman readers already have pitched in to help Haltom and Townsend in a number of ways.
They’ve secured dental care and a new bed, among other things, and Thundering Paws Animal Sanctuary has provided veterinary care for their pets.
“Their quality of life has improved dramatically,” said Z Blair, their Care Communities case worker. “They have less to worry about, which is huge.”
But they could still use a new car or a mechanic to work on the vehicle they currently own. They also need help with home health care; having assistive devices installed; laundry and cleaning services; grocery and gas gift cards; and a cellphone and cellular service.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Austin community,” Townsend said. “It’s been a wonderful experience.”
“We have more to be thankful for this Christmas than we’ve had in years,” Haltom said.
To find out more about Haltom and Townsend or to help with something on their wish list, contact the Care Communities at 4595883 or thecarecommun ities.org.
Love is the best medicine. Life partners Paul Haltom and Daniel Townsend, both living with HIV and a host of other serious ailments, reaffirmed their devotion to each other Saturday at a commitment ceremony held in the backyard of their North Austin home.
The couple, together for more than a decade, were joined by friends, social workers and two of their children.
Haltom, 37, and Townsend, 57, are one of the families featured in this year’s Austin American-Statesman Season for Caring campaign, which raises thousands annually to help needy Central Texans through local nonprofit agencies.
“It’s like I’m in a fairy tale,” Haltom said. “I never, ever thought this would happen. It’s just … incredible.”
Roger Temme, director of volunteer recruitment for the Care Communities, the orga- nization that nominated the couple, led the ceremony.
“It’s divine love that brought