Support for the Stratton Family
Don protégé
You know the saying, when it rains, it pours? Well, my dear friends, Connie & John Stratton and their daughter Lori have been poured on. Many of you know this very sweet family from Morgan Hill but most of you aren't aware of their current situation. They have 3 main immediate needs which will be outlined below but first a brief timeline of what has transpired over the last 6 months.
The Back Story
When Covid-19 hit in March, Connie, John and Lori strictly followed all the protocols to stay safe while sheltering in place, probably more so than many of us. They had to be especially careful because of Lori's disability and her suppressed immune system. Lori had a brain tumor when she was a child which left her deaf in one ear and with poor balance. Then, it wasn't long after SIP began that Lori suffered not one but two strokes that have left her completely deaf and unable to walk unassisted. Also, because the strokes effected her ability to swallow, her food has to be pureed and she has to be watched closely while she eats to make certain she doesn't aspirate. While Lori's condition is somewhat improved in terms of balance and swallowing, she still requires full-time care.
Meanwhile, my wonderful long-time friend Connie, has developed some serious health issues herself. Recently, she underwent surgery and as a result is facing some tough treatments very soon. Her condition has weakened her to a point that she can no longer be Lori's primary care giver which she has lovingly done for the past 31 years. Fortunately John has been able to take time off work to care for both Lori and Connie however, he is going to have to return to work soon. As you can imagine, this has taken a huge toll on John. There isn't much time left in the day for him to take care of himself!
To top things off, a few weeks ago, due to high winds, a large limb broke off an oak tree that hung over the duplex they rent and fell on the roof of the adjoining unit causing major damage. It struck the electrical panel that supplied power to both units. PG&E and the City of Morgan Hill quickly deemed both units in the duplex to be uninhabitable and Connie, John and Lori were forced to vacate immediately with the understanding that they'd be allowed to return after the process of electrical and structural repairs were complete. Obviously, this is the last thing they needed and so without any other options, they moved temporarily into the local Residence Inn. Fortunately, thanks to some very generous and kind people, they have been able to line up suitable temporary housing for the next few months starting this past weekend. This was a huge answer to prayer!
Unfortunately in the meantime, their landlord has decided to take full advantage of the Stratton's misfortune and is now not going to renew their month to month lease so she can use this time to completely renovate and remodel their home. The landlord has told the Strattons that they cannot return to their home and must get everything out ASAP. This added pressure and stress has proven to be almost too much for them.
How You Can Help!
Need #1. Their top priority is to find permanent housing as soon as possible so they can get completely moved out of the duplex. So please, if you have any leads on a 3 bedroom, 2 bath single story home for rent in the South County area they would be so very appreciative. To line up permanent housing would relieve so much of their burden. Once they do find a new place, they will need lots of help and muscle to get them moved.
Need #2. Also, very important is to find someone with medical and physical therapy experience to come to their home during the day so John can go back to work. This person must follow strict Covid-19 safety protocols at all times. This paid position would be weekdays to care for Lori, especially with eating and walking and to help Connie fight her own health battle. Her weakened state leaves her unable to be Lori's primary care giver which has been her role for over 31 years.
Need #3. Financially, they have been hit hard. They are facing many new expenses and will need financial assistance to secure housing, moving expenses, medical bills and in-home care. Any amount will help.
The Stratton family would be so appreciative of any and all types of support in addressing these 3 main needs. They also could use your prayers as they certainly have been handed more than their fair share of hardships all at once and their plate is very heavy. If there is any way you can contribute to lighten their load, financially or with tips and references, I know they would be so very grateful. Thank you in advance for anything you can do to help. Please feel free to share!
The Back Story
When Covid-19 hit in March, Connie, John and Lori strictly followed all the protocols to stay safe while sheltering in place, probably more so than many of us. They had to be especially careful because of Lori's disability and her suppressed immune system. Lori had a brain tumor when she was a child which left her deaf in one ear and with poor balance. Then, it wasn't long after SIP began that Lori suffered not one but two strokes that have left her completely deaf and unable to walk unassisted. Also, because the strokes effected her ability to swallow, her food has to be pureed and she has to be watched closely while she eats to make certain she doesn't aspirate. While Lori's condition is somewhat improved in terms of balance and swallowing, she still requires full-time care.
Meanwhile, my wonderful long-time friend Connie, has developed some serious health issues herself. Recently, she underwent surgery and as a result is facing some tough treatments very soon. Her condition has weakened her to a point that she can no longer be Lori's primary care giver which she has lovingly done for the past 31 years. Fortunately John has been able to take time off work to care for both Lori and Connie however, he is going to have to return to work soon. As you can imagine, this has taken a huge toll on John. There isn't much time left in the day for him to take care of himself!
To top things off, a few weeks ago, due to high winds, a large limb broke off an oak tree that hung over the duplex they rent and fell on the roof of the adjoining unit causing major damage. It struck the electrical panel that supplied power to both units. PG&E and the City of Morgan Hill quickly deemed both units in the duplex to be uninhabitable and Connie, John and Lori were forced to vacate immediately with the understanding that they'd be allowed to return after the process of electrical and structural repairs were complete. Obviously, this is the last thing they needed and so without any other options, they moved temporarily into the local Residence Inn. Fortunately, thanks to some very generous and kind people, they have been able to line up suitable temporary housing for the next few months starting this past weekend. This was a huge answer to prayer!
Unfortunately in the meantime, their landlord has decided to take full advantage of the Stratton's misfortune and is now not going to renew their month to month lease so she can use this time to completely renovate and remodel their home. The landlord has told the Strattons that they cannot return to their home and must get everything out ASAP. This added pressure and stress has proven to be almost too much for them.
How You Can Help!
Need #1. Their top priority is to find permanent housing as soon as possible so they can get completely moved out of the duplex. So please, if you have any leads on a 3 bedroom, 2 bath single story home for rent in the South County area they would be so very appreciative. To line up permanent housing would relieve so much of their burden. Once they do find a new place, they will need lots of help and muscle to get them moved.
Need #2. Also, very important is to find someone with medical and physical therapy experience to come to their home during the day so John can go back to work. This person must follow strict Covid-19 safety protocols at all times. This paid position would be weekdays to care for Lori, especially with eating and walking and to help Connie fight her own health battle. Her weakened state leaves her unable to be Lori's primary care giver which has been her role for over 31 years.
Need #3. Financially, they have been hit hard. They are facing many new expenses and will need financial assistance to secure housing, moving expenses, medical bills and in-home care. Any amount will help.
The Stratton family would be so appreciative of any and all types of support in addressing these 3 main needs. They also could use your prayers as they certainly have been handed more than their fair share of hardships all at once and their plate is very heavy. If there is any way you can contribute to lighten their load, financially or with tips and references, I know they would be so very grateful. Thank you in advance for anything you can do to help. Please feel free to share!
Organisateur et bénéficiaire
Anita Penry
Organisateur
Morgan Hill, CA
John Stratton
Bénéficiaire