ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Real beds would help single father, 71, son, 8
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
Despite all his problems, "B.L." is only seeking something to fall back on for himself and his 8-year-old son.
"If they received beds," B.L.'s caseworker said, "they would no longer have to sleep on air mattresses. This would help improve both their self-esteem. It's also better for their health and would alleviate some of the stress created by an uncomfortable night's sleep."
B.L. is 71 years old. He has prostate cancer and suffers from Padget's disease, which restricts movement with his right shoulder. A former contractor and wholesaler, B.L. came to Hawai'i from Guam three years ago to seek treatment for his cancer.
• Our anonymous Santa will match the first $25 of all contributions. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has pledged to match and double cash donations. • Donations also may be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch. Anyone wishing to donate goods instead of money can do so at the Community Clearinghouse at 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, near Pu'uhale Road. For details, call 536-7234.
B.L., who has two grown children from previous marriages, endured an abusive third marriage that ended in the arrest and conviction of his wife for threatening to kill him with a knife. The couple has not seen each other for more than a year.
• Checks made payable to The Advertiser Christmas Fund should be mailed to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17328, Honolulu, HI 96817.
He and the boy survive on B.L.'s monthly Social Security payments. Because his retirement medical insurance does not cover medication, B.L. rarely has extra cash at the end of each month.
It's impossible to sleep well on the floor mattress, said B.L., a Korean War veteran.
"I only worry about him because of my age," B.L. said of his son. "If something happened to me, there would be no one here to take care of him."
