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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend December 7, 2005 Light One Candle: Mother, 3 daughters desperate for stability EDITOR’S NOTE: "Light One Candle" is an annual Mail Tribune feature that focuses on the single need of an individual, family or agency during the holidays. By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune Technically, the 35-year-old mother and her three daughters are homeless. They’ve got a rented roof over their heads today, their second place in four months, but there’s no money for January and eviction looms. Because of the instability, the girls, ages 16, 14 and 6, came to the attention of Mary Solomon, homeless coordinator for the Medford School District. They’re among about 1,000 students classified as homeless in Medford alone. Although she’s confronted daily with difficult situations, Solomon says this family is struggling even more than most. After moving to Medford from Northern California to find work last summer, the mother suddenly collapsed. Advertisement The diagnosis was a disease no one in the family could pronounce, much less understand: renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia. It’s a serious disorder with sometimes fatal complications. The young mother needs medicine and surgery, but she can’t afford either on top of the $40,000 in medical bills that already have accrued. "We’re at the point where I can’t afford Plavix, so I’m on aspirin," the mother says. Still, she’s determined to support her girls. Despite her illness, she’s working a new part-time job as a waitress and hoping for another in customer service. "I don’t have any options other than that," she says. Even with the stress of uncertainty and illness, the two older girls are working hard to maintain near-perfect, 3.8 grade-point-averages at North Medford High School. "If I don’t get good grades, I can’t get any scholarships for college," the eldest explains. More than anything, this family is looking for an affordable, stable place to live this holiday season. If a landlord could forgive a couple months’ rent, just until they’re on their feet, so much the better. "I want a home, one that we don’t have to move again," the 16-year-old says. Of course the 6-year-old, whose nickname is "Bug," couldn’t limit her wishes. She sent along a paper list, neatly printed in beginner penmanship. "Dance music (Jessie McCartney songs)" reads one item. "Bratz Doll and Bratz Pet" reads another. To help this family, call Solomon at 842-3029. Donations for the family can be delivered to Kids Unlimited, a Medford social service agency that provides help for homeless children. Take contributions to 821 N. Riverside Ave., Medford, OR 97501. For more information about "Light One Candle," call reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Absinthe Supply Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Debt Consolidation California Casinos Generic Viagra Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada King of Spirits Advertisement s Advertisement