Delivering Joy | Families in Need this Holiday Season

Thank you for considering this family. They are the Michaud Family from Massachusetts, Derek (father), Sarahjean (mama), Harper, 8, and Arlen, 6.  Derek, (43) was diagnosed with ALS two years ago. ALS is a disease of the motor neurons. It is a progressive, neurological disease that leads to muscle weakness, atrophy and aggressive changes throughout the body, including the ability to breathe.  ALS is a terminal disease. Most people live 3 to 5 years after first experiencing symptoms.

Derek and his family are truly inspiring. They have all come together and decided that ALS would not take their Joy away. Derek and his wife Sarahjean are fully committed to their two children and every day they look this debilitating disease straight in the eye. They are also committed to pulling this disease into the lime light and allowing these tragic circumstances to be a voice of strength.

It has been a challenging year for the family.  He is trying to keep his spirits up but it is challenging.  He can no longer use his voice, hands or body without help. He has equipment to help him breathe.  He tries to focus on how grateful he is because he has his family with him at home. Most families go bankrupt paying for the enormous bills associated with caring for a family member with ALS. Derek has a caregiver with him part-time but requires full-time care to get him through his daily routine. Sarahjean continues working to pay their bills and to show their kids that they can’t give up… No matter what life throws your way!

Currently the Michaud’s monthly out of pocket expenses for his needs are approximately $8000-$10,000 and climbing as his needs increase. For this reason, funding for his care is their top priority this year in lieu of gifts. Please consider making a donation to their Go Fund Me page.

 

Melodie and her husband Kostas reside in New Jersey and have three children, a 3 year old girl,17 month old twin boys, and a fourth baby due in March. After fainting on a family trip to visit Kostas’ family in Greece this past August, and immediately flying home and visiting doctors back in New Jersey, Kostas was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a tumor in his brain. He is 42 years old. He has undergone a craniotomy, chemotherapy and radiation, and multiple surgeries thereafter.

Sadly, the Neurooncologist confirmed that the cancer has spread to his spinal fluid. It’s deposited in his spine and around his brain. He cannot speak much, he cannot walk on his own, and his appetite is decreasing.

Melodie and Kostas are doing everything they can at this point to fight this cancer. With three children and one on the way, they have their hands full and could use help this holiday season.

A friend created this Christmas wishlist for their children, and has asked that if possible, we send these items wrapped as presents (sometimes Amazon gives you that option). There is little time at home and this would be a huge help. Thank you for helping me in delivering Christmas to the Sideris family. **update, for gift cards registered on Amazon, please enter the email address melodie.christie@gmail.com**

The Prosa Family lost their home and business (Hope Town Coffee House) this year as a result from Hurricane Dorian. They are a family of four from Hope Town in Abaco. Heather (mother), Andrew (father), son Luke,13, and daughter, Fina, 8.

Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas and literally tore away everything they had ever worked for. The entire community and the Prosa family LOST EVERYTHING. Their home, their investment, their business, their belongings — all lost to the wind, rain and destruction of Dorian, everything. Their coffee shop, Hope Town Coffee Shop, was established in 2006 and they were the first coffee roasters in the Bahamas, pairing their unique brands with homemade recipes created by grandmother Marilyn and Heather. They worked for so many years to make this dream a reality, the lived above their shop.

They need items for everyday living, housing, rebuilding their home, gas, transportation, kids education, clothing, books, school events, arts, shoes, and so much more.

With your help, let’s make this Christmas a little bit brighter for this family.

“I have a family in my neighborhood I would like to nominate. They are a Polynesian family with 6 kids (ages 5 months, 2 years, 3 years, 8 years, 9 years, and 12 years) all living in a 2 bedroom apartment. Their apartment complex is well known to have drug activity and violence. These cute kids attend school with mine and are always smiling and so sweet. The dad is in and out of the picture. Right now he is gone, leaving the mom to care for the children and their needs alone. The mom works part time at a daycare and sells homemade egg rolls for money for rent and gas. She spent 6 months of her last pregnancy on bed rest due to complications, which was difficult on the entire family. The oldest has had to take on a lot of responsibility but is a great student and brother. He received student of the week for the entire county in May. He and his younger brothers go around the neighborhood asking to do yard work and chores to help their family.

Yesterday, the sweet mom collapsed and lost consciousness. With all 6 kids in tow, she was hospitalized and found she had liver failure. We are waiting on her results. Last Christmas, we organized a big secret Santa for their family and made sure their needs were met. This year, we could really use help”

Please see the Amazon wishlist we have put together for the Vinnea-Wainnis family:

I have a friend/coworker who is very special to a lot of people.  She is a single mom with a 16 year old daughter and a 14 year old son.  In October, she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer which has metastasized to her liver and lungs. She has begun chemo which she found out today will be changing. She is unable to drive because she on such heavy pain meds because the pain is excruciating. I would love for her children to have this Christmas with their mother be extra special.