She's doing everything she can to build a better life for herself and her little boy.

Her son has been through more in his five short years of life than she has in 35, she said.

The mom is disabled and recently became divorced from the boy's father, an abusive man who is now in prison.

Mother and son just moved into their own place, and the child just started kindergarten this year.

Together, she said they spent the last year battling, and beating, her breast cancer.

"Chemo, radiation and surgery made me pretty unavailable as a mom," she said.

Her little son is her hero, she said.

"He's a very special boy who deserves the best holiday possible," she said.

She said she can't give it to him without help.

With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for folks like this - people left jobless, homeless or who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.

Last year, our generous readers' donations allowed us to assist thousands of families in need.

Each day until Christmas, we will share the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.

Donations are collected, then distributed in the form of gift cards to Kootenai County residents in need.

Press Christmas for All is a holiday charity now in its 26th year. It is managed as a nonprofit by The Hagadone Corp. Because it is run by volunteers from The Hagadone Corp. and their partners at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards for Shopko and Super 1. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.

To donate, please send a check to:

Press Christmas for All

201 Second St.

Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

You can also call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and donate by credit card.

Recent donors:

Tom & Catherine Jacobson; Sheila Gray; Todd, Dawn, & Tracy, In loving memory of Kay Broccoli & Uncle Art Hedge; Pam & Jon Ness; Doug & Mary Somers; Christine Maiani; Dave & Kathi Halpin; Anne & Frederick Kindler; David & Patricia Hoskins; A.B.A.T.E. of North Idaho, Inc.; Mark & Deborah Michalak; Virginia Jones; Irene Cuff; Faith Franck; L.I & F.T Grutta; James & Jeanne Whaley; Thomas & Judith Townsend; Cecil & Mary Alace Hathaway; Margaret & Ronald Mazurek; Faye Simpson, In memory of my mother; Duchess Tomson Emerson; Marjorie Stallman; The Lord Jesus by way-The Muoio Family; Lawrence & Diane Boreham; Webb Trust; Charles & Dorothy Clock; James & Grace Rebal; Michael & Karen Van Slate; Alan Benson; Anonymous; Donald & Judy Schaffer; Robert & Delores Hoffman; Muriel & William Stamps; Robert & Barbara Lee; Harry & Donna Robertson; Bill & Jean Sage; Douglas & Eileen Cresswell; Thomas & Lynn Hauer; H.L. & K.D. Hayes; Beverly & James Stickney; K.M. Moseley; Craig & Connie Burkhart; Tom & Ellie Maitre; James Oswald; Barry & Diane Farstad; Tom & Carolyn Leege; Virginia Teeter; James Family; Mildred Childers; Dennis & Katherine Wilson; Ronald & Evelyn Muck; Paul & Patricia Barrett; Pat Dyke; Mary Louise Ellinger; Catherine Francis; Rosemary Fuller; Harvey Boeck; Larry & Sharon Strobel; John & Carla Hauer.

Notes from

our donors

Great work. Great program. Glad to help!

ROSEMARY FULLER

Best wishes to all and hope this year surpasses last year's donations!

TERRY and JACQUELINE STRATTON