2012 Good News of Christmas case summaries - Quincy Herald-Whig | Illinois & Missouri News, Sports
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There are 47 families from communities throughout the Quincy Herald-Whig circulation area who are involved in the 2012 Good News of Christmas campaign. Families, individuals, churches, businesses and civic groups interested in adopting a specific family are asked to call the United Way of Adams County at (217) 224-1223.
Case #1: This mom and dad moved their family of five children to the area to be closer to family and supports after facing several challenges and setbacks. Dad served in the military for eight years and was deployed to Iraq three times earning several medals and awards. During the third tour, his troop was attacked and he suffered injuries that would prevent him from continuing his military career. Injuries sustained have required several medical procedures and travel to medical appointments with specialists. Dad then worked for two years until laid off recently. The family is receiving assistance from several agencies to help during this difficult time. They want more than anything to provide a wonderful holiday season for their children despite the hardship they have encountered and are grateful to be chosen for the Good News of Christmas Campaign.
Case #2: This couple who struggles daily to provide the basic needs for their seven children feels blessed to be selected for the Quincy Herald-Whig's Good News of Christmas. This family has faced several challenges which include losing almost all of their personal belongings. This includes beds, dressers, winter clothing, shoes, and toys. These parents have worked very hard to face the challenges and keep their family together. Dad has worked a full time job and at times works two jobs in order to meet the family's daily needs. This mom and dad are devoted to their children and want to provide them with a memorable Christmas.
Case #3 (ADOPTED): This mom and dad feel blessed to be chosen for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as they want more than anything to provide a wonderful Christmas for their two children. The family has struggled greatly in the last few months as mom gave birth to her second child prematurely. The baby was very ill and needed intensive medical care. Dad has always worked full time to support the family, however, was unable to work during this time so that he could be with his newborn baby. The family incurred the cost of traveling back and forth to be with the baby and Dad had been unable to work. They had to move from their home. The family is working hard to recover from this difficult time and greatly appreciates the opportunity to provide a memorable Christmas for their children.
Case #4 (ADOPTED): This single mother of three struggles daily to meet the needs of her family. Mom completed her education so that she could find better employment and support her family; however, she has been unable to find full time employment. Instead she has worked two part-time jobs in order to pay the bills including student loans incurred. Mom also suffered from many medical issues requiring surgeries which have caused more financial strain. Mom is very devoted to her children and involves herself in any school or extracurricular activity despite her hectic schedule of working two jobs. She wants more than anything to provide a happy holiday season for her children and feels blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign.
Case #5: This single mother of four children feels fortunate to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign. Mom has not been able to work as she has suffered severe health issues in the last year. She has been diagnosed with several skeletal diseases causing her to travel to see specialists. Her adult child has moved back into the home to help care for his three siblings while still attending college. This family has faced many challenges in the last year and wants more than anything to have a happy and memorable holiday season.
Case #6: This father of four is working to create a better life for his family. Moving back to the area to be with family supports, he has had a difficult time finding work after suffering major injuries in a senseless act of violence. Dad has worked diligently with community services and resources and has managed to find appropriate housing, educational support, and medical resources for his children. This father is grateful to his community and church supporters for helping his family during this difficult time and is excited for the possibility of providing a wonderful Christmas for his family through the Good News of Christmas Campaign.
Case #7: This single mother feels blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she and her three children have faced many challenges in the last year. Mom moved to the area in 2010 to be closer to family supports as she was struggling to care for her two children. She then became pregnant with her third child and gave birth several months premature. The baby had to be taken to a major medical center to be cared for. Mom struggled greatly while trying to split her time to be with her brand new baby and her two children at home for several months. The family is now together but mom is unable to work as the baby still requires medical attention from specialists.
Case #8: This family of four would greatly benefit from the Good News of Christmas Campaign as they are working to overcome many obstacles. Dad was reunited with his two children after two years of searching for them. After being reunited, the children struggled with severe behaviors and were eventually diagnosed with mental disorders. Dad and step-mom work full time but struggle to provide needed therapy and medications for the children. They have worked through these difficulties and are building a strong, nurturing home. This is the first Christmas in over two years that the family will share together and want more than anything for it to be happy and memorable.
Case #9: This family of five has struggled greatly over the last two years as Dad was diagnosed with kidney disease and has had to be hospitalized several times. Mom has been working to support the family but has had to miss work in order to care for her husband while he was hospitalized. The family is grateful to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as Dad's illness has put much stress on them.
Case #10 (ADOPTED): This single mother feels blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she is working very hard to meet the needs of her two small children. This mother has no family supports as both parents are deceased. Mom has been on her own since a very young age but still managed to put herself through school and complete a certification program. She values her education as well as the education of her children and has been very involved in making sure that they are developmentally on target before beginning school. She wants more than anything to build a better life for herself and her children.
Case #11: This blended family with five children has faced many challenges in the past years. Mom has worked in the medical field for years but struggled to keep a job due to severe abuse in the home. She has been able to take her children and move away from her abusive past. She is working and is on track to build a better life for her and the children.
Case #14: This single mother has faced many challenges in the last year as her youngest child was born with many medical complications. Mom has always worked in the medical field but has had to quit her job as her child has needed several surgeries since birth and still requires many more leaving his immune system unable to fight infections. This mother is doing her best to raise four small children and would greatly benefit from the Good News of Christmas Campaign so that her children can have a memorable holiday season.
Case #15 (ADOPTED): This family of four has endured many setbacks in the last year as they lost their home and most belongings in a fire and Dad has suffered from a severe health condition. The family has worked with several agencies as to get back on their feet but Dad has not been able to work making it difficult to get re-established. The family has remained strong and Mom has made the decision to work her normal job as much as possible and return to school in order to find a better paying job. This family would benefit greatly from the Good News of Christmas Campaign and appreciate the opportunity to have a memorable holiday.
Case #16 (ADOPTED): This single mother of three children is grateful to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign. She is working very hard to meet the needs of her children as she works full time and picks up any extra hours she can. However, as she is recently divorced and receives no assistance from the children's father or family, she is finding it very difficult to keep up on regular bills, let alone provide any Christmas gifts to her children.
Case #17: This mom and dad work very hard to meet the needs of their three children but struggle to have anything beyond basic. Mom and dad work as many hours as possible to pay their bills. The family does not own a vehicle and depends greatly on public transportation. However, work hours many times are after public transportation ends so the couple walks to work. The Good News of Christmas Campaign can benefit this family greatly as they are working diligently toward a better life for themselves and only want a happy holiday season.
Case #18: This single mother of two feels so blessed to be a part of the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she is struggling to meet the daily needs of her family. Mom has always worked full time but recently lost her job and has not been able to find employment. Mom has been able to utilize community organizations for support and assistance but could greatly benefit from Good News to provide her family with a memorable holiday.
Case #19: This young single mother of one child is so grateful to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she has struggled to meet the needs of her little family. Mom has been working part and attending school to further her education as well as volunteer in her community. However, as she struggled to pay her bills, she decided to work and put her education on hold. This mom is on the right track to create a better life for her child and Good News could benefit this family and provide a great holiday season.
Case #20: This close knit family of four feels so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign. This single mother suffers from a severe disability and cannot work outside of the home. Her oldest daughter has stayed home rather than attend college to help with the other children and help financially. This mother wants more than anything for her children to succeed in life and not worry about her or her finances. Christmas has always been a difficult time for the family, but with Good News of Christmas, the family can have a happy and wonderful holiday.
Case #21: This blended family has struggled greatly in the past couple of years and feel blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign. Mom and Dad no longer work. Dad just recently lost his job due to health issues and Mom suffers from a seizure disorder that prevents her from working. Several of the children are diagnosed with disabilities and disabilities that require several doctors' appointments. This makes it very difficult for dad to hold a full time job. He has worked odd jobs in the area to help pay the bills. This family lives very simply and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to have a wonderful Christmas.
Case #22 (ADOPTED): This single mother of two small children has worked diligently to create a better life for her and her children. Mom put her herself through school to obtain an Associate's Degree and now works full time in a job she really loves. She currently receives no child support and has had the responsibility of caring for her two children on her own. She is invested in her children's education and only wants to have a successful life for her children. The Good News of Christmas Campaign can benefit this family and offer these children a wonderful holiday.
Case #23: This single mother of two feels so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she has worked very hard to meet the needs of her family on her own. Mom currently works full time and wants to return to school and receive a degree as to find a better paying job. Mom puts the needs of her children first and finds it difficult to ask for assistance for herself. Her only desire is to have a happy family and a memorable Christmas.
Case #24: This family feels so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as they have endured many challenges in the last year. Dad has been diagnosed with a chronic disease and has had to cut back working to only a couple of hours a day. Mom is working as many hours as possible and hopes to be made full time very soon. Mom and dad are working to get back on their feet and pay their bills on time, but after bills are paid they find they have nothing left to save or put towards Christmas.
Case #25 (ADOPTED): This single mother would benefit greatly from the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she is working hard to meet the needs of her brand new baby. She is working full time and supporting her child on her own with no support. While on maternity leave, she got behind on her bills and couldn't afford her car payment anymore. Now she is left with no transportation and walks everywhere with her baby in a stroller. This mom only wants to build a good life for her and her child and is so grateful that Good News of Christmas can offer her little family a wonderful holiday season.
Case #26: This mom and dad feel so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as they are struggling greatly to meet the needs of their little family. Dad is disabled and requires medical appointments with specialists out of town leaving him unable to work. Mom is furthering her education as to better herself and works part time to help provide for her family. This income has not been enough to sustain the family and they have fallen behind in their bills. The family lives very simply and only wants to provide their child with a safe and happy home at Christmas time.
Case #27: This blended family wants more than anything to have a happy and memorable Christmas and are grateful for the chance through the Good News of Christmas Campaign. Dad works two jobs in order to meet the needs of his family and Mom stays home to take care of four children. The family lives in an inadequate home due to structural issues but can never get enough ahead to find the money and save for more appropriate housing.
Case #28: This hard working family would benefit greatly from the Good News of Christmas Campaign. Mom and Dad work full time and do the best they can to provide for five children. Mom is very invested in the children's education and gives her time and talents to the school whenever she can. They make sure their bills are paid, but many times this means that needed repairs to vehicles cannot be done or the family goes without any "extras". These children live very simply and don't ask for much. This is a very close family that only wants to have a happy and safe holiday.
Case #29 (ADOPTED): This family of five feels so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as they have faced many challenges in the last year. Dad's hours have been cut at work due to poor economical conditions. Mom has had to stay home with their child who has just recently been diagnosed with a potentially fatal illness. The family has been required to travel for medical appointments to see specialists and mom and dad have had to incur the cost of all travel. To try and keep up on bills and the cost of travel, mom and dad have taken out loans that they are now struggling to pay. This family would benefit greatly from the Good News of Christmas Campaign as they are working hard together to get through this very difficult time.
Case #31: This single father of three is grateful to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign. He has been the sole caregiver of his children and is doing the best he can to meet their needs. He has struggled through layoffs and takes odd jobs to pay his bills. However, he has fallen behind in his bills due to unsteady work.
Case #32: This single mother is working to support two children in the home while dealing with her own health issues. She is so thankful to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she is working to support her family and pay the bills but finds no extra money to afford Christmas gifts. Her adult son resides in the home while attending college and she is raising another child that she has had reside with her since birth. This mom continually gives of herself to others even when she is not feeling her best.
Case #33: This mom and dad feel so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as they are working hard to meet the needs of their children. Dad works as many hours as possible but due to economic struggles, his hours have been cut. Mom stays at home with the couple's youngest child as the child struggles with a severe disability. This has caused great hardship on the family. They make sure that their bills are paid and they have no debts. But this family has nothing saved for special occasions or emergencies. The Good News of Christmas Campaign would benefit this family as they only wish to have a memorable holiday.
Case #35: This family of four feels so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as they have endured exceptional challenges in a very short amount of time. Dad had struggled working full time as he suffered from various illnesses. This past summer he was diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease and has had to undergo several procedures and treatments. Mom has found full time work and is doing the best she can to provide financially and emotionally to the family. As the outcome of dad's illness is unknown, the Good News of Christmas Campaign can offer the opportunity of a happy and memorable holiday.
Case #37: This newly single mother feels so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she is caring for four children and expecting another child very soon. She recently lost her job due to economic cut backs and she is struggling to meet the needs of her family. The Good News of Christmas would benefit this family as mom only wants to provide a happy holiday for her children.
Case #39: This single mother of five children is working hard to create a better life for her and her children. She has goals of working in the medical field and is attending college full time to obtain this goal. She is doing her best to meet the needs of her family and is so grateful to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign so that she can have the opportunity to provide a wonderful holiday to her children.
Case #41 (ADOPTED): This single mother of two children is so grateful to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she struggles to meet the everyday needs of her children. Mom is the sole provider for her two children. One child is disabled which makes working very difficult for mom. This past year, mom had health issues that required surgery which put financial strain on the family. Mom is still working to recover from her health issues and is doing very well. The Good News of Christmas Campaign would make this holiday season very special for this family.
Case #42: This single mom of two children worked the same job for the past six years until a fire destroyed her place of employment. While working she completed her education in a specialty field and fully expected to be running her own business. However, since the loss of her job and all income, she has not been able follow through with her dream of being self-employed and has even fallen behind in monthly expenses. Mom has now found part time work and is working to recover from the hardship. Mom is so grateful to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she wants more than anything to provide a happy and memorable holiday for her children.
Case #43: This single mother has endured severe abuse over her life and has now found peace and stability. She is so grateful to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she and her child are creating a new life and building on happy memories created together. Mom has always worked in the medical profession as well as donated her time and talents to those with medical needs. She continued working while enduring horrific abuse in the home. But after time, it became clear that she needed to make very difficult decisions in order to survive. She was able to leave that abusive life but incurred the cost of all delinquent bills. The Good News of Christmas Campaign can greatly benefit this small family so that they can share a happy holiday.
Case #44: This mother and father feel so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as life has not been easy for this family for many years. Mom and dad were divorced several years ago and their children are all grown. However, one adult child remains in the home due to developmental delays that prevent the ability to live independently. Several years ago, mom suffered from a neurological disease and since that time has suffered from severe memory loss. At this time, she and her husband were divorced and she was forced to move in with her mother so that the children could be taken care of. With the death of her mother and faced with the inability to care for her adult child, her ex-husband moved back into the home to care for both of them. Dad is now faced with his own health issues but wants to take care of his child and his ex-wife. The Good News of Christmas Campaign could greatly benefit this family and offer and wonderful holiday season.
Case #46: This single father of three children has just moved to the area to be with family supports. He is the sole provider for his children and he is the caretaker for his younger sibling. Since moving to the area, dad has not been able to find employment in the fields that he has experience in. Dad is currently pursuing his education to obtain employment in the medical field that would provide his family with financial stability. The Good News of Christmas Campaign would benefit this family greatly and would offer the opportunity for a wonderful and happy holiday.
Case #47: This single mother of four young children feels so blessed to be nominated for the Good News of Christmas Campaign as she and her children have struggled greatly this past year. This family has pulled together to escape a violent situation and build a new life. Mom is working diligently to create a better life for herself and her children as she is a full time student in the nursing field. She is the sole provider for her children and has no family supports of any kind. This family would benefit greatly from the Good News of Christmas Campaign as this family is on the road to healing and happiness.
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