As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of some of the people applying for help. Here’s one of them.

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In this family, both a parent and child are coping with serious illness.

The family’s 9-year-old daughter lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, while the mom has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The dad works more than 60 hours a week, but after medical bills, it’s barely enough to support his family.

“He’s working constantly,” the mom said.

In addition to her medical conditions, the daughter is also dealing with loneliness. She uses a wheelchair, which makes it harder to access many places where other kids gather. But she doesn’t let these challenges get her down.

“She’s very resilient,” her mom said. “She’s at peace with who she is and what she can do. I’ve never met someone so caring and empathetic.”

Life has been harder than usual for the 9-year-old after a serious medical event earlier this year.

“We never know what’s going to come out of a seizure,” her mom said. “Every time there’s a seizure, there’s damage. Whether that damage will repair, we never know. This one was beyond terrifying.”

But after eight long months, she’s recovering.

For this family, Christmas marks the end of a long, hard year. They’re hoping for a small miracle to help make the holiday special, particularly for their daughter.

“If people helped each other a little bit more, the world wouldn’t be such a scary place,” the mom said.

This is the 33rd year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need during the holiday season.

Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. The money collected is distributed in the form of gift cards to those who might not otherwise be able to put a holiday meal on the table or purchase a small gift for a child.

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level. They are barely making ends meet and they do not qualify for other holiday charity programs.

Some are responsible for children, others are alone throughout the holiday season. Despair is a common factor. But through Christmas for All, they feel the compassion of a caring community during what can be a very difficult time of year for them.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

Every penny raised is distributed to needy Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. and the volunteers at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Donations can be made by dropping off or mailing a check to: Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

To donate online, visit cdapress.com. Click on the menu on the left side of the page to find Christmas for All 2018.

To make a donation by phone using your credit card, call 208-664-8176.

RECENT DONORS:

Fred Ritzheimer; Ray Bradley; Paul Stoll; James Whaley; Marty and Julie Westbrook; Bill Bollinger; Paige Lewis; Sandra Kay; Doris Peterson in Memory of Norm; Sheila Gary.

OVER $500 CLUB:

Avista Corporation