The Manetta's

October 1, 2021. "The day things should have been different. Sure, the day should have been different because Vin shouldn't have had a stroke." That was an excerpt Christy wrote over a year ago on Caring Bridge; the day that would change the future for Vinnie and The Manetta Family forever. Fourteen months have passed slowly for Vinnie, Christy and the kids, yet there is a disbelief that they have walked through the past year in a fog of some sort, just trekking through minute by minute, day by day, praying for change, yet longing for what used to be. So many unknowns still exist, but what is at the forefront of every thought is the realization that Vinnie's strides were strides, but his cognitive skills have been altered, he is unable to walk independently and gets around with the assistance of a wheelchair. The goal of driving again, riding his bike, playing basketball, and most of all, working, are simply wishes and dreams. Christy's words a year ago speak so loudly today. "During Vinnie’s ICU days in early October, I clearly remember his doctor consoling me in the hallway, saying, “You are in a marathon right now. This is not a sprint. You may want it to be a fast sprint that ends quickly, but it’s not. You are in a long marathon that will take time and a lot of effort.” Immediately, I felt my gaze fall to the floor and I thought, “Well, shoot. I’ve never run a marathon. I only made it through half marathons, and I gave them up because they were too long!” At that moment, the marathon felt insurmountable. In all honesty, there are still plenty of days, two months later, that it feels like we’re never going to make it to the finish line because it doesn't even seem like we can hit the half marathon point."

Friends, Christy and Vinnie's family, together, made the necessary and tough decision to move Vin into a nearby, Full-time Care Facility. He has not made progress despite the therapies and family support; he is paralyzed on his left side, in a wheelchair due to lack of strength, mobility and motor-control, and he requires on-going help to take care of basic needs. Homecare providers were limited in their availability, the out-of-pocket expenses exceeded what LTD paid and what Christy was able to make at work given the time devoted to being home when aides were unavailable. The level of care Vin requires brings with it, a bill of $7500 a month, again, benefits do not cover this, infact, the morning before Thanksgiving, Christy received an email from the Disability Claims Specialist letting her know that they would be deducting whatever Vinnie's SSDI payment amount is to his LTD payment and that it's considered a deductible source of income. What does this mean? $3400 less per month, AND $25,000 owed to them for an oversight and overpayment on their part. Months went without any payment to The Manetta's and during that time they were spending their savings to care for Vin and pay bills. Christy is forever grateful to those that helped make life a little easier, she doesn't take it for granted for even a second. As if grieving for the loss of your family unit isn't bad enough, Vinnie must now be pulled out of his current Assisted Living home because of the inability to pay to keep him there. I share this because so many ask how things are and Christy smiles, does her best to keep a positive attitude for Vin and the kids, along with those in the community she works with, but the reality is, NOW more than ever, Christy needs help. She is too proud to ask, but those close to her hear her, see her, and know there is a need. Being fully aware that times may be tough for many, if financial support can not be offered, please share a smile, a text, and a prayer for The Manetta Family.