ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, December 16, 1996 TAG: 9612160007
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: The Good Neighbors Fund
SOURCE: BETSY BIESENBACH STAFF WRITER
Four years ago, Laura and David (not their real names) were reported to Roanoke's Social Services Department for child abuse. Their doctor believed they weren't taking adequate care of their younger daughter, who has a chronic illness.
The incident was a misunderstanding, Laura said. The girl's disease is difficult to control, and her health depends on her cooperation with her treatment. Unfortunately, Laura said, like many children, the child frequently rebels against what she is supposed to do, so she ended up in the hospital.
She and her husband were shocked and upset by the charges, Laura said, but as it turned out, the doctor actually did them a favor.
David and the couple's older daughter have milder forms of the same disease. David's employer provides health insurance for him and one other person. Because of her illness, the family chose to insure their younger daughter only. They could not afford to add Laura and the older daughter to the policy, even with a $3,000 deductible.
By the time their younger daughter was hospitalized, the family had lost its home, filed for bankruptcy and gone so far as to pawn jewelry and other personal items just to pay for medications and supplies.
Neither Laura nor David, who both had solid middle-class upbringings, realized they were eligible for assistance until their daughter's caseworker reviewed their situation.
"They didn't know how we'd made it for as long as we made it," Laura said.
The family's problems began seven years ago, when David was injured on the job. He was unable to work for three months and was not eligible for worker's compensation.
"Everything was OK until then," Laura said.
To add to their problems, she had just started a new business, and although she was successful, she made very little profit because the operating costs were so high.
Laura has a new business now, and it's almost paying for itself after just three months. She is looking for part-time work, too, but it's hard for her to keep a job because her younger daughter is sick so often. David is working two jobs despite failing eyesight.
Despite the hard work and the help they've received, the couple can't make ends meet. After their creditors are paid, there is just $600 left each month for the rest of the bills and for living expenses, Laura said.
In November, they came to Roanoke Area Ministries for help with the electric bill and received a grant from the Emergency Financial Assistance program, which is supported by The Roanoke Times' Good Neighbors Fund. The same month, Laura found out the family will receive free medication and supplies through the health department, which will save them $240 a month.
Before she went to RAM, Laura said, "I didn't know it existed."
When times were good, she used to do charity work herself, Laura said.
"It's funny to be on the other end."
Laura figures she and her husband have about $10,000 worth of outstanding medical bills. She doesn't think they'll ever be able to pay them off. A credit counselor they consulted had no answers, Laura said.
"There's nothing out there for people with an ongoing illness. There's no way out. I'd do anything to get rid of the debt."
Checks made payable to the Good Neighbors Fund should be mailed to The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 1951, Roanoke 24008.
Names - but not donation amounts - of contributing businesses, individuals and organizations, as well as memorial and honorific designations, will be listed in the newspaper.
LENGTH: Medium: 68 linesby CNB