In Chicago - Need Continued Support

My name is Josephine LaVentura.  I am a widowed-mother to seven wonderful children, and a recent colon cancer survivor.
I am also a United States citizen and a Chicago/Oak Park native.
I have since made it to Chicago and now am in the process of looking for a home to rent.

I have been in Italy for the past 23 years with my children, some of whom are now grown and with families of their own, and two teenage sons, Gabrielle 17 and Mattia 15.

I left the United States in 1992, and always had the intention of returning within a few years.
A series of unfortunate events prevented our return. Within the past years, I have experienced the loss of my husband, the loss of my only sister, and the fighting back that has come from my own battle with cancer.

It is now that I look to those of you who know me, and to others who do not know me at all, but are interested in helping me.
We have returned to Chicago in order to be closer to our strong network of family and friends, and the opportunities that will be available for myself and ultimately for my sons, Gabrielle and Mattia.

Looking back, I see the hundreds of obstacles that I have had to overcome even as I am here; there are new ones everyday.
There have been many pains that I have had to face alone, always struggling to make ends meet, many fears of  not being able to take care of my family and many tears shed.
After years of sacrifices and suffering several great losses; after months of chemo and fighting cancer; after thinking of “throwing in the towel,” not a hundred, but a thousand times; I know I have to continue to strive and go forward for the sake of my youngest boys.

But along with that, I also see the many joys that life has given me. It is these happy moments that reward my life and push me to keep me going.
The best rewards in the world are the smiles that I continue to give my children through opportunity and support and I believe whole heartedly I can do it; but it is very hard.
The economy in Italy was bad and Chicago has its problems too but,I have to give my youngest boys a better future,
I cannot do it alone. I need your help and I will need your friendship.
I will also need your support, so that I can be in a place where opportunity and encouragement are available for myself and all of my family.

Currently, I need to find a home to rent,  and a car.

I thank you all very much, for taking the time to read this. Thanks for every gesture, every thought, every idea, and every prayer. Blessings to all of you.