Community support helps turn lights on for kidney dialysis patient

[okarol]

Community support helps turn lights on for kidney dialysis patient

By Harriet Daniels
Staff writer

Published: Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 11:22 p.m.

Even Friday's dreary weather couldn't dim Herlaine Taylor's megawatt smile when workers restored electric and water service to her Ocala home.

It's been nearly two years since Taylor, a kidney dialysis patient, had lived in the modest three-bedroom wood-frame house, unable to pay the utility bill, which had ballooned to $1,948.

“When you get ill, your life takes a big change, especially when you are used to working and taking care of your family,” Taylor said.

Taylor reached out to Devereux Kids for assistance in getting the bill paid and service restored. Scott Hackmyer, community facilitator with Devereux, presented the case to the Community With a Heart program.

Community Action Agency paid $900 of the bill and CWAH covered the remaining $1,048.

“This allows her to get back into her family home, a home that is paid for,” Hackmyer said.

The house has been home to Taylor since 1991 after the previous historic home she purchased was damaged by termites. She qualified for a city program to have the current home moved to the property.

Taylor said it's a blessing to have the house paid for “because I would have lost it for sure once I got sick.”

She relies on $641 in Social Security Disability and is committed to keeping the utility bill at an affordable level. “Only the refrigerator and television will be on,” she said.

A typical utility bill for the house is $400 in the winter since it's not well insulated.

The Ocala native had worked as a caregiver until she was diagnosed in late 2008 with kidney failure. She must receive dialysis three times a week and hopes to be placed on the kidney transplant list. In the meantime, Taylor is looking forward to being able to return to her home by Christmas or at least by the start of the new year. She's been living with one of her four adult children.

The house, however, needs to have the windows and doors insulated, more carpet inside along with insulating the water heater and exterior pipes. The refrigerator also needs to be replaced.

Taylor said she is grateful to come this far in getting utility services restored.

“Mr. Hackmyer worked it out. He's an angel in disguise ... he's got magic hands,” she said.

Assistance for Taylor should be directed to Scott Hackmyer at Devereux Kids, 732-3300.

Contributions to the program may be mailed to Community With a Heart, C/O Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34474.

Contact Harriet Daniels at 867-4125 harriet.daniels@starbanner.com.

http://www.ocala.com/article/20101212/ARTICLES/101219921/1005/sports01?Title=Community-support-helps-turn-lights-on-for-woman-undergoing-kidney-treatment-