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7 selections of fresh vegetables
6 selections of
fresh fruits
7 varieties of
frozen meats
5 bags of
non-perishables
1 bag of paper
products and personal care items
Gifts from a Secret Pal
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When many of us think about what our senior citizen years may bring, it is
easy to see the positive. Independence from the demands of work, the freedom
to enjoy life, and all the time in the world to spend with loved ones. But
the reality of entering those years can be quite difficult. 63-year-old
Beth has experienced changes that she did not expect. Her health has turned
on her and she often struggles to afford three meals a day.
Beth grew up in Elmhurst
with her twin brother, younger brother, and younger sister. She graduated
from Elmhurst High School and now lives in Naperville. Despite her mother,
twin brother and sister having remained in the area, Beth says that she does
not see them often and cannot rely on them for support. Her father passed in
his early sixties and her younger brother, whom she says was helpful, lost
his battle with pancreatic cancer recently. She was divorced in
1982. Her son and 2 grandchildren live in Colorado, but because of her
limited mobility, it is difficult for her to visit.
Beth, who has been a
recipient of a kidney transplant and blood transfusion, is forced to deal
with a number of physical limitations. In addition to suffering from
diabetes, she struggles with anemia, arthritis, and cellulitis, as well as
poor ambulation due to a knee that needs replacement. Beth often needs to
use a wheelchair which, in recent months, has caused her to be unable to
drive her car. She refers to the situation as a “bummer” since she used to
be “really mobile.” Sadly for Beth, it has been one problem after the next.
Recently, while traveling on a PACE bus, the straps holding her wheelchair
were not secured, causing her to fall out. Due to the injuries she sustained,
Beth has been in and out of the hospital for treatment.
Beth still has many
friends whom she says are always willing to take her to see a movie or enjoy
a meal out. Once a month, she meets with a card club to play pinochle. Beth
finds joy in her social time but admits that it has been limited by her
difficulties getting around. Her days are filled with doctor appointments,
errands, and phone conversations with her friends which she manages by
keeping a daily “to-do” list. She enjoys reading, especially Stephen King
and science fiction, likes to sew for her granddaughters, and cook from
scratch.
Beth’s monthly income is
$998. She spends $285 on rent, $489 on her car and insurance, and $120 on
medications, leaving her only $104 for food and other necessities. Before
she was enrolled in our Senior Project, Beth would often skip meals. Because
of your sponsorship she can now enjoy a more consistent supply of her
favorite foods. She uses the bananas that are delivered to her to make
banana bread and the vegetables to make fresh salads. We are happy to have
Beth in the HSP family and we are confident that, together, we can help her
get through these difficult times in her life!
Things to Remember about Beth:
• Her birthday is June 4, 1944; Beth will be 64.
• Her monthly income is $998.
• She loves to read Stephen King.
• Her favorite color is purple.
• Her favorite flower is the rose.
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