EMPTY STOCKING FUND: Help on hefty hospital bills

Andrew's head slammed against a concrete sidewalk after he slipped off a second-floor balcony at his aunt's apartment.

He didn't go to the hospital that night because he doesn't have insurance. The next day he was dizzy and vomiting, so his grandmother called the hospital. They told Andrew to get there immediately.

Andrew suffered a brain injury and was hospitalized for nearly two weeks. Only his first name is being used to protect his privacy.

"They said I could've been in a coma or dead," Andrew said. "I should've gone to the hospital that first night, but I don't have insurance and didn't want to go in debt with a lot of bills."

The doctors told Andrew, 26, he'll likely have long-term injuries from the fall and probably won't be as healthy as he was before. He hasn't been able to work since the fall in October and isn't expected to be able to return to work until February.

He suffers from eyesight problems and short-term memory loss. He's undergoing occupational and speech therapy but didn't have the money to pay for it.

Andrew was referred to Ecumenical Social Ministries, a charity founded by a network of churches to care for low-income, homeless and unemployed families.

ESM paid for 10 of Andrew's therapy sessions, totaling $70. The sessions run through December.

"They've been great. I don't know how I would've gotten the money otherwise to continue to recover," he said. "They're so caring and are willing to help people every day. They're always so crowded when I go by there."

ESM is one of 14 area charities receiving grants from The Gazette-El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund. The agency's services include a food pantry, clothing, help with rent or utilities, job placement, counseling and educational programs.

ESM is the community's largest emergency-service provider for families in need.

Andrew plans to see if agencies can help with his $30,000 in medical bills from the fall.

"I'm living place to place on the streets and can barely put food in my mouth," he said.

"But this is a second chance at life. I'm not going to take it for granted."

TO DONATE

Make a secure donation at www.fillanemptystocking.org. Call 476-1673 to make a credit card or stock donation over the phone. Checks can be made payable to the Empty Stocking Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 400, Colorado Springs, CO 80901.