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Mom beats cancer, struggles financially

Kaye Thornbrugh Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years AGO
by Kaye Thornbrugh Staff Writer
| December 14, 2019 12:00 AM

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

•••

After undergoing a partial mastectomy and extensive treatment, this mom of two has beaten breast cancer — but she’s still fighting an uphill battle.

“Nicole” went through 16 weeks of chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments. Now she suffers from neuropathy in her feet and hands, as well as chronic bone and joint pain in her legs.

“My biggest challenge is trying to find my energy,” Nicole said.

Despite her pain, she forces herself to exercise to improve her mobility. She recently completed 10 weeks of physical therapy after injuring her knee in a fall during her chemo treatment.

Though she can’t contribute to her family financially yet, Nicole cares for them in other ways. She takes pride in getting her sons up each morning and off to school, where both boys are excelling.

“They both have perfect attendance,” she said. “This is huge, considering most of my pain is the worst in the mornings.”

A little help for Nicole and her family would go a long way in providing food and some basic needs as she works to get back to full strength.

This is the 34th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need. Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled, homeless and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level.

The beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All are going to keep their dignity intact while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.

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

With a shorter holiday giving season than usual, please make your donation sooner than later. Here are four ways to do it:

- Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814

- Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

- Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2019.

- Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Here’s who contributed recently:

Ralph Tenbrink; Jessica Mahuron; Charlotte Von Sprecken; Laura and Francis Augusta; Robert Gridley; David and Kathleen Kuntz; Donna Bresemann; Carol and Gary Goodman; Laureate Family; Kenneth Olsen; Leland and Lyndell Erwin; Aloys Glose; David and Helga Brown; Runge Furniture; Gwen Letson; Bill and Judy Drake

Donations $500 or more:

Reid Harlocker; Anonymous, In Memory of My Mother Lorraine Ratto; Stephen Smith Family; Leo and Helen Calhoun; Larry and Patricia Bishop; Pepper and Midge Smock; Ironwood Family Practice

ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH STAFF WRITER

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