So many people get lost in the shuffle. I have a friend who is one of these people. She lived an upper-middle class life until she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Her alcoholic husband could not deal with her illness. He got abusive. She got a divorce and a small settlement. Her oldest son borrowed some of that money and has not repaid her. Her youngest son was recently in an accident--they found out he only has a couple of years to live because his liver is riddled with cirrhosis at 26.
more after the flip.......
She finally was able to get Social Security and she gets some other help like fuel assistance--but it is hardly enough--she spent over $2000. on heating oil and propane last year yet only received $380. in fuel assistance. She still hasn't paid off last year's heating oil bill.
She has been diagnosed as having pre-diabetes, so she needs healthy foods--not the starch and sugar cereal they give her at the food bank. Good food is enormously expensive.
She is in New York state. She can just barely take care of herself, but her health problems are worsened by worry over being able to pay her bills.
A group of my friends and I have tried to help, but we are all about tapped out. I feel helpless--I can't begin to feel what my friend feels. I am able to work, I have a fantastic job--but I have responsibilities to meet and can't help as much as I would like.
Why can't the wealthiest country in the world make sure my friend is taken care of? Why is it so fucking hard for her to find help--and the help that is offered is so meager? She is poor through absolutely NO fault of her own. She is not lazy--she is ill!
Does anyone have any suggestions how I can help my friend? PLEASE. And thanks.