Sam

Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 2013, Sam’s battle has been a long and arduous one. ENIN became familiar with Sam’s fight through the generosity of other community fundraisers. When we learned that Sam, now 20 years old, would be traveling to visit family near Branson, Missouri in 2014, we provided funds toward travel expense, tickets to Silver Dollar City, and a Springfield Cardinals experience day at Hammons Field.

Because Sam is a known foodie in many circles around Edwardsville, the ownership at Peel Wood Fired Pizza of Edwardsville arranged for a special dining experience for Sam and his friends. After dining they were whisked away by limousine for a day of paintball at Bing Field.

After three long years, Sam lost his battle against cancer in December 2015. He will be missed. It was truly an honor to know this amazing kid whose smile, spirit and strength impacted everyone he met.  

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Jeff

Jeff was diagnosed with throat cancer that required surgery, daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy. As Spring approached, Jeff was stressed about not being able to care for his yard and landscaping, a task he was accustomed to handling himself. So, ENIN contacted a local landscape and yard service provider to arrange weekly services for the duration of the summer. Jeff’s situation reminds us that medical crises do not always cause only monetary need for families. At times it is simply help with the everyday tasks people lose the ability to do.

Shown here in Dec 2015 with his family, Jeff is clear of cancer, back to work and enjoying life restoring classic cars and making music.

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Mackenzy

In August of 2015 nine-year-old Mackenzy was riding her bike home from school when she was struck by a car while in a crosswalk. Her injuries were severe, including collapsed lungs, broken legs, bones, and severe brain damage.  Upon arrival at Children’s Hospital, the doctors gave her a 3% chance of survival. She underwent an extremely risky brain surgery. But after being in a coma for two weeks she awoke, recognizing her family and began proving her amazing resilience. Only two months later – Mackenzy beat all odds and came home.

And, that’s when Edwardsville Neighbors in Need met Mackenzy and her family.

Initially with casts over broken bones, walking with crutches, then a walker, she was slowly able to return to school, but faced a long road to recovery filled with regular follow-up MRI’s, physical and speech therapy.

ENIN was able to immediately help cover rent, and a pressing utility bill. They provided gas gift cards to help with the extensive travel to and from the hospitals. To help Mackenzy acclimate to having her hair cut very short after surgery, ENIN coordinated a year’s worth of free haircuts by a local stylist and arranged for four tickets to The Polar Express celebration at St. Louis Union Station – a night Mackenzy and family are unlikely to forget. And, when spring arrives, Mackenzy and her younger brother have new bikes and helmets awaiting them. A group of local Edwardsville residents living in Ebbet’s Field held a fall fundraiser in their subdivision to buy bikes for distribution by ENIN throughout the holiday season, and beyond. This generous gift helped ENIN to help Mackenzy and family even further – and she says she’s ready. What a true fighter and inspiration she is.

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Kelan

9-year old Kelan was born with Lissencephaly, a rare brain disorder that leaves him homebound, constantly facing the potential for serious seizures — and requiring 24/7 supervision. So when the family planned some home adaptations to build an environment conducive to his needs, and allowing for more quality time together ENIN was there to provide an adjustable therapy bed and table, other therapy equipment and materials and labor for a wheelchair ramp.

Spencer Homes also graciously donated many hours of labor to other building projects related to this family’s home projects.  

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Bernice

It was a chilly January day when we sat with and got to know a little bit about Bernice and her family. Bernice has lived in Edwardsville her whole life and has four children. When one of her sons was 22 years old he was in a horrific car accident and was left with a severe brain injury. Bernice became very involved in a Head Injury Association of St. Louis and kept her son involved in lots of camps with other disabled peers. He met a “girlfriend” who is also physically disabled. They now reside together in Edwardsville with an Aide who assists them.

Shortly after the car accident, Bernice’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and she took care of him for 20 years, until he passed away.

In 2013 Bernice had a staph infection resulting from knee replacement surgeries which ended in another surgery and she now walks with a cane.

Bernice drives a 2001 Dodge Caravan that is adapted to be wheel chair accessible, so she can take her son and his companion to doctor appointments and to just get them out of the house. The automatic wheelchair ramp was broken, and the van needed a new engine. ENIN worked with a local mechanic, who graciously donated labor costs, and we were able to repair the van as well as provide gas cards and coats for the whole family.

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Helen

After back surgery and re-injury Helen was left immobile and under strict medical orders for rest. With her husband working long hours, care for herself and her home were especially challenging. Thankfully ENIN was connected with Helen in time to assist with medical and living expenses, plus provision of ongoing housekeeping services. Dedicated board member Katie checks in with her frequently, sharing lunch and visits. We all remain hopeful for her full and speedy recovery.

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Alexandra

Alexandra is a respected pianist and music teacher in the Edwardsville area. In the summer of 2016, she was involved in a traffic accident, rear-ended at a stop light by an uninsured driver traveling at high speed. The accident caused injury impacting her ability to continue teaching. Amidst a very sudden loss of income, ENIN has been able to supply short-term financial assistance during the time needed for healing and recovery.

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Linda

Linda was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) and behavioral variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD) in August 2015 — at present there is no known cure or proven treatment. The disease rendered Linda virtually mute, experiencing confusion and needing help with daily life. When ENIN met them, Cindy and Linda were in the process of converting a downstairs bathroom to accommodate Linda’s growing physical limitations. And, ENIN was able to help with the covering the construction cost along with some immediate medical expense.

It was great to have them participate in our Fall photo shoot at The Gardens at SIUE especially sentimental as Cindy was once a Master Gardener there.

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