tugging at my heart

Awhile back, I listened to a morning radio segment about a fundraiser to help a woman (Annabelle) and her little girl (Aiyana), who were both hit in a crosswalk by a hit and run driver and injured very badly. 

I donated to the fundraiser, and left a message in the paypal comment section explaining that I felt awful for the position she was in, especially the part about not being able to take care of her daughter, because I have children and I cannot even imagine what she is going through. This was in May of 2010. 

Last week I received a direct response email from Annabelle, saying she was very touched by my message, and still needed help. Three years after the accident, her leg is still broken in several places, and without having medical insurance because she isn't working because of the accident, well you can see how this is a vicious cycle.  She asked if I could help provide anything from pain management tools, to ideas of where she could move to since she feared getting kicked out of her house soon, to any money I could spare, etc. My kids and I went to the grocery store and brought her groceries and money, but of course it just isn't enough.

Annabelle is close to my age, and Aiyana is 13 years old in junior high school. They have a super close relationship with each other, supporting each other through these tough times. Annabelle is a very giving, caring woman, who feels terrible asking for help but knows she has no choice right now. Aiyana is quiet and so sweet, and has played so gently with my kids every time we have come over.

I have been praying with Annabelle and trying to support her in any way possible, for her story just tugs at my heart. She is in pain, she is having trouble supporting herself and her daughter, she just received eviction papers, and I cannot even imagine how she must feel through all of this.

I tried to put together a contest/donation/giveaway on my blog on her behalf, but I could not get anything together without somehow going through a charitable organization, which of course she is not part of. So, I am posting this in case anyone feels the same tug at their heart, and wants to help her out.

Or go to paypal's main page, click on “Send money” and enter annabelleward@gmail.com in the “To” box
.

You can confirm her name through the information that is on the radio station's link at the top, and if you want her phone number to speak to her first, you can email me directly and I can pass it along. I just want to get her story out there, so that we can pull together as a community to help her out. 


I thank you for thinking of her and/or praying for her.

Proverbs 19:17

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.