A son's plea on behalf of a family in need

My name is Kyle Heidt and I'm 18 years old and a senior at Douglas High School. I live in Minden with my father, mother and two sisters. My family means the world to me and I would do anything for them. My story begins in asking for help in the community.

My mom Debbie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 10 years ago, but for the past five years, it has started to affect her dramatically and continues to worsen. She takes shots every evening to slow the process down, but also takes several other medications for depression and seizures.

Even though she takes all this medicine and goes through treatment, it still affects her physically, mentally, and emotionally. This has taken a huge toll on our family as well. She is unable to work and can barely take care of herself. This inhibits her from participating in our family functions. Although she faces daily trials, she is the strongest and most inspirational person I know. Her constant influence in my life has shaped me into the person I am today. While she fights every minute of every day, she is my life and I love her more than words can say.

My father is the most dedicated loving father and husband anyone could ask for. The things he does in order to care for my mother, my two sisters and me is nothing short of amazing. He currently drives a bus for Douglas County and owns a small business called Kid's Camp. He loves kids with all his heart and has dedicated much of his time in helping them.

Sadly, his Kid's Camp has been severely affected by the Angora fire in Lake Tahoe, and he is faced with closing down the business, since the main attraction was from tourists. Unfortunately, with the insurance costs so high, both Harvey's and Harrahs want more money in order to keep the business running out of the Lake Tahoe hotels. With business as bad as it was, he was forced to pull out of the two hotels. We are living off what he makes as a bus driver, which isn't much, and with five people to support, we're not able to make the money stretch.

My sister Danyelle and I have been able to find local jobs to help support the family, which we're thankful for. But, we face additional problems now. My father is struggling with many medical issues and has had seven surgeries in the past. Ailing with a bone spur in his neck has forced him to wear a neck brace while at home.

We were able to finish remodeling the bathroom and shower for my mother's wheelchair accessibility, but we're unable to complete the balance of the renovations because of finances and the current job situation. We are inundated with medical bills from my mother, father and me (I had knee surgery in November). The monthly medical insurance is extremely high but critical for us to keep because it allows my mother to receive the essential medicines she takes every day. Because she is almost completely dependent on her wheelchair, taking care of my mother and her medical needs is my father's first priority.

God blesses our family each day and we are so thankful for what we have, each other. God has put us in a situation where we are dependent on Him every day and we go through one day at a time, not worrying about tomorrow.

I am reaching out to our community in hopes that get some of our necessities taken care of.

The are: materials to complete a bedroom which will allow for a wheelchair friendly environment; labor to help complete the bedroom remodel; utilities paid; financial assistance so our home does not go into foreclosure; groceries for our family; organizing fundraisers.

Thank you so much for taking time to read our story, my family and I appreciate it very much.

For further information, please contact the family representative Julio Maglinao at (775) 450-5953.

For cash donations, please use the following account: Wells Fargo Bank - Minden Branch - Account No. 7401016196. Please make checks payable to "Heidt Family Benefit Fund." For deposit only and please endorse on back.

n Kyle Heidt is a Minden resident.