Cases 97-100: Ms. N, a teacher, lost everything after being attacked at school

Case 97: Ms. LL has survived some serious health challenges this year. She has been diagnosed and treated for complex PTSD after experiencing traumatic and abusive flashbacks from her childhood, while at work and without warning. Last winter she was rushed to the hospital for active bleeding and ended up in the hospital ICU with sepsis. She was on medical leave for more than two months, and at first returning to work was hard, but doable. Eventually, however, she could no longer work and has gotten far behind on rent, utilities and other bills. Her son, who is 25 and has autism, lives with her and works but they can't seem to catch up. She has a new job and is tenacious, but this family could use some help. 

Case 98: Ms. N loved teaching first grade. It broke her heart to leave, but being attacked by a parent and student traumatized her so much she started having blackouts from stress and she had to give up her job. She had to stop driving, she doesn't trust herself around the stove to cook and she feels she has lost everything. Her daughter is still in school and can't help financially. They don't have any income, and don't have money to buy food or pay the bills. Monetary assistance to help stabilize their lives would be such a blessing. 

Case 99: Ms. M, 50, is taking care of four grandchildren, ages 17, 15, 12 and 10. In the past two years the family has been homeless twice, lost their income, had their car stolen and home burglarized and her electricity has been turned off twice. Ms. M recently buried her sister, who left two daughters behind. They've been sleeping on the floor and staying with friends and family as possible. She has been struggling, trying to keep her utilities on, the family under a roof and food on the table. Ms. M and her family would be most thankful for any help offered. 

Case 100: Ms. J, 64, has two wonderful adult sons who depend on her. One lives with extreme mental illness and has to be watched around the clock to make sure he doesn't harm himself, or anyone else. And her other son hasn't been able to walk since he was 18. He's now in his 40s and is bedridden, requiring 24/7 care. Ms. J does everything she can for them. Both sons need clothing, a laptop computer and bedding. It would be a relief for this family if someone could provide some gift cards for holiday groceries, necessities and, if possible, gifts. 

Case profiles by Sarah Garrecht Gassen