Request submitted on 10/09/2025 at 11:16 AM EDT
Category: Low-income Family
Hi my name is Wendy. I am a mom to 3 grown children and a grandmother to 6 amazing children. I have custody of my oldest granddaughter which she is 13, her mother lives out of state and her father disappeared 6 years ago. I live on a fixed income of SSDI. My granddaughter and I live with a long time friend who is kind enough to let us stay and only contribute to what I can, which isnt alot. Lately I have been struggling even more so than in the past. I have a labrador and he is 6. In the last month he was diagnosed with diabetes type 1. found a vet for him to see that offered 1st visit free, so during the exam I was crying and thinking how am I going to be able to take care of him and his newly diagnosed disease. The vt was kind enough to only charge me for the insulin and needles he needed and the monitor Freestyle Libre was free for the 1st one, but i was unaware that it needed to be changed out every 2 weeks and the cost is roughly $100, and $75 for the vet to place it(twice a month $150) The insulin and needles are $120 monthly, special dog food about $100 per bag which is about 1 months supply. So roughly a cost of $570. That is almost half of what I receive monthly.
Then my granddaughter is in 8th grade and she wants to be involved in school events, go places with friends, treats, school shopping, clothes, etc..I dont want her to feel left out by not enjoying her youth and aways hearing me say I dont have money for that or I cant afford that right now maybe next time, well next time its the same cycle. I ldont know what to do anymore. I feel helpless with no resolution. So needless to say I have nothing left for bills, rent, gasoline, auto expenses etc. I have borrowed money from everyone with the intentions of paying them back but I'm not sure when or if I can. My pride keeps me from letting anyone know my struggles but my granddaughter lives it and feels the struggle and how I feel I let her down. No matter what I say to her she knows.
However, I do know my situation, especially after my dogs diagnosis, will not improve and I will just have to find a way, and I will but in the meantime I am seeking help. I try and hold my head high and keep telling myself I will get through this but this time I cant do it alone. I am hoping someone will be willing to assist not only myself but my granddaughter and our dog. I would love to see her bright beautiful smile a bit brighter and have her know there are kind and generous people in the world willing to help and when people are in need dont feel ashamed to ask. Bonds get tighter and the world comes together..
Thank you for taking the time and reading how my life has been and the struggles that are silent.
Wendy Sailer