Washing machine for Shira and Yaakov
Shira and Yaakov, both 29, are raising three young children (ages 3-5) under very trying circumstances.
When Yaakov was three months old, his mother, suffering from post-partum depression, committed suicide. Eight years ago, Yaakov himself was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was hospitalized several times and is now under regular psychiatric care.
Yaakov’s mental state left Shira alone to care for the house and the children. To further complicate matters, the couple’s oldest child suffers from a lethal milk allergy and needs constant supervision. Their middle child has a chronic medical condition. It is certainly not a simple situation.
On top of all of her other responsibilities, Shira worked as a teacher in order to supplement Yaakov’s disability stipend and help support their family.
Last year, Shira was hospitalized with an eating disorder. The family moved communities in order to be closer to her and, without her income, fell deeply into debt.
Shira is now back home, back at work and receiving a temporary disability stipend. Her and Yaakov are trying to pick up the pieces and move forward with their lives.
In the meantime, the family’s washing machine has broken and cannot be repaired. Shira and Yaakov certainly can’t afford to replace it, but raising three toddlers without a working machine is just about impossible.