A Home for the Holidays; Kindness for Kydedra

Hi, my name is Holly.

In 2020, I was exposed to black mold daily, for several months. Fast forward to today, I have great difficulty with basic daily tasks from problems with breathing, which has led to the development of chronic fatigue, amongst other things.

As a result, I sought to find a home aide through New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP); insurance will pay either a family member or friend to be a caregiver, a huge relief for those of us who cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket. Unfortunately, since spouses cannot qualify to become aides, my husband has had to reduce his work hours and sometimes call off due to my health.

Coincidentally (but I don't believe it's coincidence at all ;), my friend Kydedra happened to be searching for a new position in caregiving the same time I was looking for a home aide.

I'm happy to say we've been in the process since October, and the hardest part is over. What's left is tying up the loose ends of paperwork, and scheduling one more assessment from insurance to determine how many hours I need an aide, to notify the state how many hours to allot for Kydedra.

Unfortunately, while we work through the hiring process, Kydedra was notified that her monthly rent will be increased from $645 to $750 starting January, the first time it has ever been increased since she first moved in in 2019. Additionally, as a single mom, with the rising cost of living and the upcoming costs of heating and winterizing (we live adjacent to TWO Great Lakes—brrrr!), though working through CDPAP will give her a raise, until the bureaucracy finishes processing, she won't be able to work as my aide until that point.

When she shared her discouragement, having tried all options to be able to receive financial aid (charity and county assistance have very strict requirements), I wanted to help her in any way I could. If I had the funds, I would pay everything myself, no problem. Unfortunately, until the state lets Kydedra start, our finances are tight, as I need my husband home often to help with childcare.

I asked if I could set up a GoFundMe for her, and I'm really happy she said yes! If you are able to give, thank you for your generosity; and if not, please leave words of encouragement and kindness for my friend (I will pass it along to her if you click "Contact" below :). Understandably, she is having a tough time, and I want to lift her spirits, as she has mine by giving me hope that a better quality of life exists. This is the least I can do. We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you for passing this along!