Help Care for Leilah's Mom--an update!

Urgent Update as of February '24

So many of you have been generous enough to contribute already and each share and contribution has been immensely appreciated! Leilah was able to accomplish quite a bit thanks to all of you, including having the handicap ramp built and installed at their home. But unfortunately, Billie recently suffered another stroke. She has been in the hospital for about a month now, with Leilah rarely leaving her side. With this setback, there are new hurdles they will have to overcome as well as an influx of additional medical bills.

I've known Leilah for more than 20 years. During that time I've watched her stand by and support so many friends. She's there anytime you need her, willing to do whatever it takes to be the shoulder you need to lean on. Now she and her sweet, amazing mother need that same support in return! While they focus on restoring Billie's strength and wellness, the last thing they need to be doing is worrying about medical bills and added costs. So, if you are able, please GIVE. If you're not, please share! Let's give Leilah the same love and support she so freely gives to others.

How It Started

If you’re lucky enough to know Leilah, you know how sweet, kind and joyous she is to be around. You know that her fun and adventurous spirit makes her the life of the party, and you probably know that she will go out of her way to help you or make your day special. I’m certain she inherited many of these wonderful traits from her sweet-spirited mother, Billie. Billie has always been so warm and welcoming. Before my sister left this earth entirely too soon, there was not a day that went by that Billie did not reach out to check on her or at least tell her goodnight. She treats every person that Leilah introduces her to as one of her own. In 2019, Billie suffered a stroke and later a severe ankle injury, leaving her unable to move around on her own and take care of herself. For the past few years, Leilah has selflessly put her life on hold to become her mother’s primary caregiver. While most people would see this as a burden, Leilah has counted it as a blessing—an opportunity to spend more time with her mother. I have seen firsthand the work and effort she puts forth in caring for her mother as well as the opportunities and adventures she has personally missed out on, all without ever complaining. Neither she nor Billie would ever in a million years ask for sympathy or help.

But unfortunately, Billie’s recovery has not happened as quickly as we would like and her strength and health continue to deteriorate, making it more difficult for Leilah to offer her the care she needs without some additional help. While medical bills continue to incur, their home also needs numerous updates and renovations to make the home handicap accessible and make caring for Billie more feasible. In addition, Billie desperately needs physical therapy that insurance does not very well cover. Not to mention, there are many physical therapy equipment items Billie could benefit from. Since Leilah is now only working part-time to allow more flexibility as a caregiver, she simply cannot even attempt to take on this financial burden alone. Please consider donating to this sweet family to ease some of this hardship for Leilah and to give Billie the accessibility and care she so deserves.