PROVIDENCE - Several years ago, Jean's daughter Lisa was living a comfortable life. With a master's degree in graphic design, Lisa was earning a good living and had even purchased her own home. But three years ago, disaster struck. Lisa, then in her early 30s and single, became ill so ill that she was unable to continue working.
Thinking the money concerns were only temporary, Jean did what most mothers in these circumstances would do - she began financially supporting her only daughter. But medical problems continued and now, with no health insurance, Lisa's bills began to mount. Lisa was determined to stay in her own home, Jean said, but supporting two households was difficult and becoming impossible for her to do.
Both women exhausted their savings accounts and even began selling their personal possessions to pay the mortgages each month. Jean, who continues to work, said she has been forced to dip into her personal IRA twice to help her daughter. A third withdrawal will deplete that fund as well.
It was a long, cold winter for the family as further health issues arose and Lisa needed an operation. With new doctor and hospital bills, expendable cash long depleted and Lisa's house in foreclosure for the second time, Jean was forced to take a second job.
They heard about the Interfaith Community Dire Emergency Fund. On behalf of her daughter, Jean applied for help and soon an oil truck delivered 100 gallons of fuel oil, enough to heat the small home for nearly a month.
Lisa is now healthy enough to hold a part-time job to help with her bills, but financial woes continue to weigh her down. Anxiety and her daughter's continuing health problems have taken their toll on her mother as well. Lisa, who has already sacrificed much of the independence in which she once took such pride, is now facing the real possibility of selling her house and moving back in with her mother.
But, no matter what the future may bring, Jean said, she and her daughter will never forget the help they received thanks to the donors to the emergency heating fund. "I appreciate the fact that the oil was delivered immediately after I was approved. It was one less thing that I had to worry about one less bill we had to pay. It may not seem like much to some, but to those who are desperate, it is a God-send."
Even more important, Jean said, is what the "Keep the Heat On" fund really means. "It means that someone cares," Jean said. "All who donated to this very special fund raiser really want to make a difference in people's lives. On behalf of my daughter and myself, thank you."
The practical application of the money donated over the past several months to Bishop Thomas J. Tobin's "Keep the Heat On" challenge was felt immediately as thousands of gallons of fuel oil helped heat the homes of hundreds of those whose circumstances made them desperate for a little help - and one less bill to pay. The hope instilled by those dollars of support given by generous contributors is immeasurable.
(This article originally appeared in The Providence Visitor)
