A Christmas wish for a fabulous family
Let's make the holiday brighter for one deserving family.
Where I live, our newspaper runs a section called “Holiday Wish List” that features stories of people in need and how people can help. They are heart-breaking stories, and I always want to help all of them. If only I could.
I have a friend, Cyndi Wenck, who unfortunately qualifies all too well for the Wish List. I met Cyndi about six years ago at church. At the time, she was just diagnosed with breast cancer and I was matched up with her because of my survivor status. I went to visit her at their beautiful home, matzoh ball soup mix in hand.
I lost touch with her and decided to reconnect after I had my recurrence. I was feeling depressed and was impressed how she overcame her emotional obstacles. Things had changed; they had lost their beautiful home to foreclosure and then had to move again because of a problem with their rental property owners.
Last year, Cyndi found a lump in her neck by her vocal cords. Upon removal, they learned it was cancer, and her ability to speak was altered. In addition to the strain of diagnosis and treatments, Cyndi and her family have struggled financially. Her husband Gary lost his job, and they had to rely on the kindness of friends for housing. But each residence was temporary; they have moved five times since 2005.
This month, desperate to keep the family together and her son at the same high school, Cyndi contacted social agencies looking for a place to live. One person on the line callously told her she’d have to live in a homeless shelter and the family needed to split. He says this to someone with a compromised immune system from chemo! But a blessing occurred today when a friend invited the family to stay with him as long as they needed.
Luckily Cyndi has insurance, but it has very high deductibles. They only have one car to share – a 1996 model with bald tires. Despite everything Cyndi remains upbeat and grateful for what they have.
I have contacted someone at our paper to see if the family can be featured. It would be a great way to enable people to help with donations for a car and living expenses. I’m not sure if I missed their deadline or if there are special submission requirements.
So, in my struggle to find something to do for her and her family, I thought I would put a call out for help here. If you are interested in helping the Wenck family, donations can be mailed to: The Wencks, PO Box 58427, Cincinnati, OH 45208.
Let’s make their holidays a happy one for the Wenck family!
Becky says:
I don’t even know what to say. Seriously.
I too will pass this along (with your permission of course) in the hopes of getting as many eyes on this as possible.
I have been a bit MIA lately with things going on and have to catch up now on things here with your wonderful site.
Back to this family for a moment. What kinds of things are they needing? Would personal care items, etc help or is their main need at the present time the mounting financial struggle? Please let me know if it’s ok to pass this along and what kinds of things people can do if money is not an option at this time.
Tony Orlando says:
I’ve been reading along for a while now. I just wanted to drop you a comment to say keep up the good work.
sam elliston says:
I had no idea that things were so tough for them, Tami. Thanks for doing this.
tamilb says:
In response to Becky’s question, please feel free to pass this along to as many people you’d like. I really haven’t thought of a way to collect items. Gift certificates from grocery stores would be really appreciated. It would be easier if people send it directly to them in the mail. Putting a holiday card with it would really be nice.
I want to stress that any amount of money would be helpful, $5, $10, it doesn’t have to be much. If we get the word out to enough people, little amounts could add up.