Family ‘barely getting by’ could use a break, mom tells Goodfellows

For as long as she could remember, there was always happiness in Crystal’s home. Even as a child, her parents would welcome foster children into their family, something she has also done.

Today, difficult circumstances have made finding that same happiness challenging.

In 2018 her father was given the wrong medication and was in intensive care. After nursing him back to health, he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away.

“He was the backbone of our family,” Crystal said.

Then, her youngest daughter was kidnapped by her father for three months.

“Through a lot of prayer and legal help, we finally got her back, but now she has severe separation anxiety,” she said. “My middle daughter was so devastated by the loss of her Papa and sister’s disappearance that she turned to drugs.”

In February her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Crystal has to care for her now.

Oh, and though she and her family have managed to stay healthy, she lost work during COVID.

“We, like a lot of families, are barely getting by,” she said.

Goodfellows can help. The Star-Telegram charity has been helping families during the holidays for more than a century. This year they are providing $50 gift cards to help buy shoes and clothing for children.

“This family could seriously use a break, and we would be so gracious of anything you could possibly do to help us,” Crystal said. “We are grateful to have each other, but sure could use a blessing.”

Be a Goodfellow

Since 1912, the Star-Telegram’s Goodfellow Fund has provided help and assistance for Tarrant County schoolchildren. This season they have a goal of assisting 12,000 youths. Join this tradition by sending a contribution to Goodfellows, Box 1870, Fort Worth, TX 76101, or visit goodfellowfundfw.com to make a secure credit card donation.

This story was originally published December 24, 2021 at 5:15 AM.