This mom has overwhelming health issues, but that's not her main concern right now.

The thought of having no gift for her daughter for Christmas breaks her heart.

"She is a tough and amazing kid who has been through way more than any child should have to endure at a young age," the mom said.

The mother's illness, a disabling autonomic nervous disorder, is just one of the challenges the 12-year-old daughter has had to face.

The disease affects the parts of the mom's nerve system that she has no control over, including her heart, lungs and other vital organs.

"Along with neuropathy, it damages all the nerves that go to my organs, and they start to fail," the mom said. "It deteriorates muscle."

She's had several near-death experiences with bowel obstructions, and requires multiple medications "to keep things working."

The mom's fiance was unemployed and recently began working part-time. Their only income has been the mom's small Social Security disability benefit.

The little family is living in a 25-foot camper with a broken refrigerator. They keep food cold by placing it in a cooler outside the camper.

"Our little girl is amazing. She's been through a lot," the mom said. "She lost her dad to suicide in 2005."

The mom said her daughter is always there to help, especially when the mom was released from the hospital following major surgery.

"With all my medical issues, she's an A student," the mother said. "She's a go-getter."

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:

Kathy & John Barlow; Darrelyn & Donald Broussard; Richard Nordstrom Logging; Sue & Chuck Reince; Sam Johnston & Deanne Schuman; The Ely Family; Dennis Edelbrock; Shirley & Robert Nuttelman; Paul & Beverly McCabe; Dorothy Morey; CDA School District 271 Elementary Secretaries.

Christmas for All

• Goal: $225,000

• Raised: $105,225.36