Help and Hope for Hilary!

Hilary Jeffers is one of the best people you’d ever want to meet. She has a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh, and an amazing sense of humor. But most importantly, she is kind, caring, and very hard-working. She is a loyal friend and humble human being. And so, I’m hoping and praying we can get her the help she so desperately needs.
 
In 1984, Hilary survived a terrible automobile accident, caused by a drunk driver. Seeing the photo makes me wonder how Hilary even made it out of there alive. Head trauma made it difficult for her to learn new skills, which affected her ability to secure certain jobs. Increasing pain and a deteriorating body made it impossible for her to work long hours or full weeks most of the time. While working at a local restaurant, her back pain grew so bad she could barely stand straight or walk. She paid out of pocket for physical therapy which was not successful. Yet, with the help of yoga and pain meds she was continued to work several more years until the restaurant closed down.

Hilary found she had no other option but to begin drawing disability to help support herself and her young son. Due to many years of shorter work hours and minimum wage, the amount of disability she received was and remains quite low; it doesn’t even cover the rent for her very modest apartment. Very skilled at drawing, for a while she earned some extra dollars by creating lovely greeting cards and drawings of homes and local landmarks, but severe damage to her shoulder and elbow and resulting, increasing pain, put an end to that. In addition to her back, arm, and shoulder problems, the problems with her hip - which had popped in and out of joint ever since the accident -  became worse and now she suffers with hip dysplasia. She is currently working part time as a ticket seller at a local movie theater, a place she loves, though she had to reduce her part-time hours due to ever-increasing pain. She knows things will not get better without help.
 
She continues to be upbeat in spite of it all, and she could really use your help!
 
Doctors have diagnosed Hilary with “severe degenerative changes” in her left hip with “subchondral cysts especially in the acetabulum” (a subchondal cyst is characteristic of osteoarthritis) with “similar findings seen in the contralateral hip to a lesser degree.” In addition, “Degenerative changes are seen in the medial compartment of the knee.” In other words, at this particular time Hilary is in dire need of a hip replacement at the very least. Such surgery should greatly help her pain and her quality of life.
 
Medicare will help with some of the cost of the hip surgery. Yet until then (the surgery is  in late June or early July), and with less income from her work, there is a big income gap that must be filled in order for her to make it. And following surgery, there will be at least 8 weeks of recovery, which means no part-time work at all.
 
Considering the out of pocket surgery costs she’ll face and the living expense help between now and late summer, I’m setting up this campaing in hopes of raising $10,000. Please consider donating some to help this awesome human being!

Here's what some of Hilary's friends are saying:

Joey Charlton:  I have known Hilary for about 35 years. She's a very dependable, dedicated and loving individual. She has had some very difficult times in her life. She never feels sorry for herself and takes difficult situations with courage.  If anyone needs anything she will find a way to help. She is a dedicated, loving and fun friend. We love her very much. The true love of her life is her son. As a single mother, she lovingly put his need before her health issues to provide a great and safe life for him. After many years of chronic pain, she has no choice  but to have surgery. She will be out of work for a while for her recovery. This will leave her with a lack of funds for living expenses and the considerable amount of medical bills. We are asking compassionate people to please consider making a contribution to relieve the stress of finances so she can focus on the surgery and recovery. I know without a doubt that she will be appreciative and thankful for any amount you can offer.

Jamie Hayes: Hilary is one of the kindest women I know. She has faced many challenges with grace and strength. The next couple of months are going to be really hard for her. I know that any help we can give her would be greatly appreciated.
 
Mary Martin: I’ve watched Hilary work to pull herself out of dependence on disability. She was determined to be more self-sufficient and to make her own way. Over the years, it has been sad to watch her pain as she tries to do the things she loves—walking, gardening, and photography.
 
Barb Lawson: Hilary is a caring and upbeat friend who most often thinks of doing things for others instead of herself. She works as much as she is able even on days when standing and moving is difficult. But she never complains. She keeps on keeping on. Hilary is worthy of this support.

Cort Skinner: Hilary is a smart, funny, kind, and determined person. I hope people will help us help her!