Families We Help
Janette & Daughter
Janette is disabled retired Navy widow on Social Security, Janette's daughter was about to "age out" of the Tricare system, and Janette could not afford COBRA payments or medication, in addition there were issues with social security payments.
The Krewe of the 13 provided over $4,000 in support for Janette and daughter to cover insurance payments, copay, and medication.
Note From Janette:
"Thanks to the Krewe of the Thirteen, my disabled daughter is able to see her physicians and specialists. She’s able to have her seven daily medications.
They took us, strangers to them, and covered an entire quarter of her insurance premium and copays for doctor visits and lifesaving medications.
You have my unwavering gratitude and respect, ladies and gentlemen. We couldn’t have done it without you."
Christina & Son
Young single mother barely making ends meet faced the need for a double-mastectomy.
In December 2021 Christina X went to the doctor to get a lump checked out. Immediately before Christmas Christina was told that she needed a double mastectomy, immediately.
Christina, who is a single mother, has a 5-year-old son and is just making ends meet.
The Krewe paid the surgery copay and Christina's mortgage, utilities and childcare for 6 months for a total $12,380.
Note from Christine:
"The Krewe of the 13 are truly an amazing group of people. The support that they provided to my son and I through an extremely difficult and terrifying time in my life was beyond generous. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without them. With their help, I’m able to concentrate on my treatment and getting better for my son. After meeting them and seeing first-hand what they do, it warms my heart to know that there are still genuinely good people in this world. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!"
Walls Family
Family of seven living in their car with mom and dad both employed.
They left their home in West Virginia due to poverty in the area and lack of available work. Mr. Walls is an auto mechanic and Mrs. Walls is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). So they packed up the kids and their worldly possessions and came to Florida in hopes of starting a new life here in Florida.
Major repairs on their vehicle burned through their savings to the point they could not afford first, last, and security deposit for an apartment and wound up living in their car.
The Krewe paid $5,800 for their car repairs, and provided rent and utilities payments, for the Walls, for the months of November and December. Payments paid directly to the landlord and utilities. Monthly rent is $1,200 and utilities are approximately $300 for a total of $1,500 a month. Total amount of $3,000
The Walls are doing Great. Their oldest son graduated from High School this year. He is 17. He is employed at Walmart with his Dad.
At last contact they were looking for property to build a pre-fab house.
Heather & Family
Assistance for a family in financial distress due to the breadwinner losing his sight
Heather's husband was diagnosed with diabetes about 4 years ago and has lost his vision and his job due to diabetic retinopathy. Financial hardship quickly followed and the family faced disconnection of utilities and possible eviction.
The Krewe brought rent and utilities up to date and also presented the family with gift cards for every day expenses.
Since Heather now has to become the bread winner, the Krewe suggested that she apply to the Krewe for our "Jim Hahn Memorial Scholarship" which would provide money for a training program for a new career.
Note from Heather:
A sincere "Thank you" to all our sponsors, and those who have helped with our fundraising efforts, you make it possible for us to help families in Dire Need.
Randy
Retired truck driver now disabled two years behind on property taxes and without running water for two years.
Randy retired after driving a truck for 42 years. He spent his last two years on the road constantly to pay off his hose and retire only to come home to a collapsed well. Due to the location, the county would not permit a new well and he had to connect to county services.Being on a fixed income, this was not an option for Randy. Therefore, for two years now, he has been without running water in his house. He is unable to cook at his home and has been going to the truck stop once a week to shower.
the Krewe paid $3,408.00 toward Utility meter box and connection - $2308.00, additional plumbing and sewer-$3700.00, past due and current Prop taxes - $1600.00
Remaining funds were provided by United Way, Housing Partnership, Humana, St. Vincent Hospital.
She is still working a small job within walking distance from the home in Bunnell.
Ms. Giddens
Ms. Giddens was a single mom of two boys, living in public housing. She had a calling to attend nursing school.
After several family members died in recent years, and seeing the care given by the nurses at the hospitals, Ms. Giddens was compelled to become a nurse. She wanted to give back to the community and to provide a better environment for her children.
The Krewe provided a scholarship to help Ms. Giddens attend and LPN Program.
Family "X"
Victims of domestic violence
Ms. “x”, a single mom with two children under the age of 10, is trying to start a new life for her family free from violence. Her divorce in early 2019 provided a safe home for her children, but she struggled financially after receiving no help from the children’s’ father. Additionally, her employer cut her full-time hours back to part time because of time needed for child care. This loss of income ultimately resulted in an eviction from her apartment. Since that time, Ms. “x” found a new place to live and stable employment, but fell behind again attempting to pay her past debts, rent, and all child care costs with no assistance. She received notice that she was to be evicted right after Christmas.
The Krewe paid for three months’ rent (directly to the rental company) and also provided a $500 gift card for holiday expenses, a total of $3,454.00.
Note from Ms "X":
Thanks to the Krewe for their gracious assistance and encourage other women of DV that they do not have to stay in an abusive relationship- there are people that care and are willing to help!
Rhonda
Struggling to care for 3 abused foster children.
Three children were taken from their parents because their three-year-old daughter was unsupervised and managed to pour boiling water down the lower part of her face, neck, back, stomach, inner thighs, and right foot. Her parents didn’t want to get in trouble, therefore waited 29 hours before taking little Athena to the hospital. Once they decided to take Athena to the hospital, both parents were arrested and charged with child neglect with great bodily harm. The children were placed with Rhonda. Rhonda is considered the children’s aunt by marriage.
Rhonda was struggling before the three kids came into her life. She is a single mother to her own daughter Sophia, age 10; and is currently making $15/hour at her job. The two youngest boys are in diapers.
The Krewe provided 12 cases of diapers for the two boys ($600).
A $600 gift card to buy clothes, shoes, and toys for Christmas.
Note from Rhonda:
“The pirates [Krewe of the 13] are amazing. I do not know what I would have done without their help. They provided at least 3-4 months worth of diapers that I could not afford. Plus they gave me the means to give these children a Christmas for the first time in their young lives. Poor little Athena got out of the hospital and had nothing. Some people donated a few things, but she didn’t have shoes or a jacket. The gift card allowed me to provide for her immediately, when I didn’t have the money to do so on my own. Thank you Krewe 13 for helping us out. We cannot express how much you all mean to us.”
Riley Family
A former City of St Augustine Firefighter who has Early Onset Alzheimer’s and Encephalopathy with Rapid Decline and is totally disabled and requires 24/7 care.
His wife and son are his caregivers and help this former firefighter with his activities of daily living. They live from paycheck to paycheck on his disability income. Mrs Riley tries to make ends meet while caring for her husband. They often must decide between paying her health insurance bill or getting her brakes fixed. She is also emotionally and physically exhausted with caring for her husband 24/7. She currently takes her husband to the Council on Aging twice a week for four hours. On the one day of rest she has to clean the house and on the other day she has to do the household shopping leaving no time for herself.
The Krewe of the 13 stepped in and paid 6 months of her healthcare and 6 months of an additional care at the Council on Aging giving her not only some financial peace of mind but also some needed emotional peace of mind.
Note from Mrs. Riley:
“I never thought I would have reason to say ‘Pirates paid my premiums’. My family has been humbled by their awesome display of generosity and compassion. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is all consuming with the added burden of early onset our entire family has had to sacrifice to stay at home and care for Michael. The pirates have given me peace of mind by paying my health insurance premiums. The Krewe of 13 have also sponsored Michael to attend the Council On Aging. The COA Sunshine Center is a safe haven for Michael and gives me a respite to either finish my household chores or take a nap from the sleepless nights. Michael enjoys his time at the COA as they keep him entertained and engaged which is something I don’t always have the energy to do. My family is grateful beyond words that the Krewe of the 13 have extended their kindness to us and given us an opportunity to have two less worries in our lives during these difficult times. Thank you so much Krewe of the 13!”
Picozzi Family
Father lost job while battling cancer.
Mr. Picozzi lost his job at Sea Ray midway through cancer treatment. His wife Meg has been the primary caregiver for her husband and 2 children, six and eight-year old. She was unable to work full time due to the extensive time required to care for her husband, meet medical appointments/ treatments, along with caring for their two children. The family was struggling to meet insurance, mortgage and daily expenses.
The Krewe donated $2,160 to assist with insurance costs.
