Debra's Funeral Expenses
Donation protected
My name is Jessica and for the last 13 years of my life I've been an advocate for my sister. When Debra was born she contracted Rubella and a high grade fever that resulted in burning out her middle ear, leaving her not only def as an infant, but also mentally disabled. From early on her parents struggled, but were strong as they raised Debra who was unable to attend public schools, or even go out for simple tasks we all take for granted.
When Debra was old enough, she was able to attend a day program in Atlanta, GA that helps and provides those who have disabilities with activites and learning to live. She was always surrounded by warm faces and those that taught, or even came in contact with Debra, bonded with her. She could usually be found begging for coffee or cokes in the halls of her center (she'd just about drag you to the machines that produced her favorite beverages if she could).
Debra often lit up a room with her smile, or danced to the vibration music put off. She loved having her picture taken and even going to the doctor to get her blood drawn. She was an incredibly beautiful human being whom made those she came in contact the better for it. She made me the better for it.
On the morning of January 27th though, all those lives she touched came to a stand still and the hearts she warmed broke. We lost Debra in her sleep at the age of 58 and now we struggle to give her a funeral, all of us completely unprepared. Her family had been told early on that her life expectancy was small, that she'd never make it to her 20s. And then again after her first seizure, and again in those that followed, but she was a stubborn soul who proved so many wrong in her ability to function and live happily.
Her family has been able to aquire small funds to cover the cost of her funeral, but even those barely touch the amount needed. Insurance companies have been no help, and setting her with any sort of Life Insurance policy was no existant because no one would cover anyone who has her mental disabilites. So I am here asking for something i've also stubbornly scoffed at through my years. And that is help.
Thank you,
The Haywood Family
When Debra was old enough, she was able to attend a day program in Atlanta, GA that helps and provides those who have disabilities with activites and learning to live. She was always surrounded by warm faces and those that taught, or even came in contact with Debra, bonded with her. She could usually be found begging for coffee or cokes in the halls of her center (she'd just about drag you to the machines that produced her favorite beverages if she could).
Debra often lit up a room with her smile, or danced to the vibration music put off. She loved having her picture taken and even going to the doctor to get her blood drawn. She was an incredibly beautiful human being whom made those she came in contact the better for it. She made me the better for it.
On the morning of January 27th though, all those lives she touched came to a stand still and the hearts she warmed broke. We lost Debra in her sleep at the age of 58 and now we struggle to give her a funeral, all of us completely unprepared. Her family had been told early on that her life expectancy was small, that she'd never make it to her 20s. And then again after her first seizure, and again in those that followed, but she was a stubborn soul who proved so many wrong in her ability to function and live happily.
Her family has been able to aquire small funds to cover the cost of her funeral, but even those barely touch the amount needed. Insurance companies have been no help, and setting her with any sort of Life Insurance policy was no existant because no one would cover anyone who has her mental disabilites. So I am here asking for something i've also stubbornly scoffed at through my years. And that is help.
Thank you,
The Haywood Family
Organizer
Jessica Haywood
Organizer
Covington, GA
