Donations make difference in the lives of neighbors
DANBURY — Living with incurable cancer has been devastating for Emily and her family.
While trying to manage her chronic pain and care for her daughter with autism, she and her husband are struggling to afford the basic necessities as her medical demands increase.
With Emily unable to work and her husband’s
job effected by the COVID-19 pandemic, a gift of $1,500 would help the family pay some of their bills.
More important, the financial support would provide a measure of emotional relief during such a difficult and demanding period of their lives.
Emily is one of the area residents that the United Way of Western Connecticut is working to support this holiday season through its annual Giving Fund.
In its 11th year, the Giving Fund is a partnership between The News-Times and United Way of Western Connecticut that gives readers the opportunity to give directly to those in the greatest need this holiday season.
The Giving Fund has raised more than $1 million for families in need over the past decade. United Way does not take any fees to administer the program for The News-Times. This means that 100 percent of your donation goes to help the person described in the case you choose.
These donations make an “immediate difference in the lives of our neighbors,” said Isabel Almeida, president of United Way of Western Connecticut.
Over the next few weeks, The News-Times will present new cases describing a need that readers’ donations could meet. Names are changed to protect the privacy of individuals and families.
Donations may be made online at uwwesternct.org/ thegivingfund. If a case becomes fully funded, additional donations given will be used to support other cases.
This week’s cases are: Case 12:
Mary has always been a dedicated and loving mom to her 4-year-old son. But her world became focused on his care after he was diagnosed with a genetic disorder.
Occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy add to frequent doctor’s appointments.
A boost came recently after Mary was approved for an affordable housing apartment, but she still faces financial challenges. Her car, which is the only way she can transport her son to get his care, is in need of repairs. A gift of $800 would help to cover the car repairs and leave
some extra for the holiday. Case 13:
Billy and Angelina have worked to create a comfortable life for themselves.
While Billy struggles with an intellectual disability and Angelina has a physical disability, the couple have always worked hard to meet their needs.
But it wasn’t long ago that Angelina was diagnosed with cancer and is now undergoing treatment. That has placed more responsibility than ever on Billy, who has taken on more errands while maintaining their home and caring for their pets. And that is all while navigating the network of accessible public transportation needed to get Angelina to her doctors’ appointments.
A gift of $800 would put healthy food on their table, allow them to use rideshare apps like Uber, and help feed their furry family members.
Case 14:
In Rose’s family, creating happy memories has always been a priority.
She and her husband make sure they spend quality time with their three children, but the past year has been a challenge for them.
Rose is fighting a difficult battle with cancer and chemotherapy, which has taken a toll on her physical health. More important to her than her physical health, however, is the toll her battle with cancer has taken on her children. Her oldest is enrolled in college and her youngest two children require special needs.
While her husband is able to provide for their family financially, their household budget has been significantly reduced over the past year. A gift of $2,000 would go toward bills and groceries and leave some extra to create fun and exciting memories with their children after the challenges of the past year.
Case 15:
Grateful is the only word to use to describe Katie and her husband and their daughter, a family who cares deeply for those around them.
The parents are retired and their health has declined with time, a fact of life complicated by the reality of needing to supplement their groceries with items provided through a local food pantry. The essential errands require them to travel long distances, but without a budget for a car, that means accessing public transportation options.
Despite the challenges, their independence and determination prevail. A gift of $350 would provide money for groceries, rideshare apps like Uber, and give a sense of relief to purchase the things they need.