I'm writing for a wonderful lady who's been my dear friend since 1st grade. Her name is Erica, and she's a kind, warm Christian, and life is trying to beat her down. She had a very good job and worked for 15 years, supporting herself and her daughter until she became ill. Even then, she kept working, even though it was difficult and painful. But she had so many doctor's appointments that caused her to miss work or be late, eventually her employer fired her, even though they were understanding about her problems.

Erica has several medical problems. It's very difficult, painful, and slow for her to walk; she tires quickly, has terrible problems with her back, a painful bleeding condition, sleeping problems, breathing problems, exhaustion, and she's in constant pain. And there are more things. There's no cure for her medical issues; they'll be with her for life. It's heartbreaking.

And she will kindly talk with you or anyone who wants to know more.

After she was fired, she managed for a while, even though she was denied unemployment benefits, and her daughter's father has always been an alcoholic and a disappointment who left them and never provided a penny of support. Still, Erica managed because her own loving father was helping her and his granddaughter as much as he could. Until he passed away. Erica was heartbroken at his loss; they were very close. Plus, after that, Erica had the extra responsibility of caring for her mother, who she loves, who also has medical problems of her own.

Also, Erica's daughter has a number of medical problems that require a car to take her to doctor visits or for medical tests. Her daughter has illnesses that make it hard for her to get to school some days: fainting spells, nausea, discomfort, and problems related to curriculum requirements.

Then things went from bad to worse when a new law started that said if you want to keep your food stamp allowance, you have to have a part-time job, working 20 hours per week! So now Erica has to find a job or face starvation. And she wants to find a job, but she has no car. She lost her car several months ago, which was yet another devastating life occurrence.

And that's why I'm asking you, please, if Erica's story touches your heart, if you can imagine being in her place, please help her get a used car so she doesn't lose access to food for herself and her daughter. Please. And thank you. God bless you and your loved ones. And may you never find yourself in Erica's situation.