2024 FAMILIES
The 2024 CPBC Families
This year the Chicago Polar Bear Club is honored to expand our impact and support three (3) amazing Chicagoland families.
Read on for their inspiring stories below, including details on how your support for the CPBC will each of help these families look forward to a bright future in 2024, and beyond.
(1) The Carillo Family
Meet the Carillo Family
The Carillo family consists of Victor (30), Karina (27) and their daughter Arabella (1).
The Carillo’s are a loving family whose world shattered when baby Arabella, born prematurely at 27 weeks, was diagnosed with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia* and Tracheo Bronchomalacia** – two conditions that affect her lungs and ability to breathe. As a result, this tiny warrior relies on a ventilator to survive and needs around-the-clock medical attention. Every day is a battle, with frequent hospital visits that strain the family emotionally and financially.
Arabella’s ongoing need for intensive medical attention comes with frequent hospital visits which have challenged the family since her birth. Because of her conditions, both parents must always go with her to the hospital, as even a trip in the car comes with risk.. For example, Arabella could stop breathing and need to be suctioned en route, something that cannot be done while driving. This means that whenever they have to go to the hospital, Victor, who is their only breadwinner, has to take time off work to help his wife and daughter.
Both Victor and Karina are capable and educated, but their career prospects have been slowed by the need to prioritize Arabella’s health and care.
Arabella’s father, Victor, works as an AC repairman, but is a trained electrical engineer from Mexico. He could be re-certified to practice as an engineer here in the US, but cannot afford to take time off work to do so, as he is currently the family’s sole breadwinner.
Similarly, Arabella’s mother, Karina, has completed her education and training as a nurse, but has had to halt her plans to complete her boards and begin work at a full-time registered nurse due to her daughter’s 24/7 needs for care. If she can only find a way to take her boards, the state will then pay her to take care of Arabella. This would have ripple effect on the family, as it would also allow Victor the space to get his engineer’s license in the US.
Despite having Medicaid and a part-time nurse, Karina still remains the primary care provider for Arabella. Further, the family faces hefty out-of-pocket expenses, including $500/month for non-covered supplies, an outstanding need of $300 for new glasses for Arabella (unfortunately, not covered by insurance), and the ongoing expense of travel and parking when Arabella spends time in the hospital or goes to her many medical appointments.
Amidst the challenges, there's hope: Arabella's prognosis isn't set in stone. Her lungs might heal, and she could someday live a more normal life. They expect that she will be on the vent until she is at least three years old, and likely have a trach until she is five, but there is every possibility that she will get better and be able live without the copious amount of equipment she carries with her now. The Carillo family's dream is to see her thrive without the burden of medical equipment.
How We Can Help
Your support can help ease the Carillo’s many burdens, providing Arabella with a chance for a brighter future. Taking the constant pressure off the family could allow Karina to finally get her nurses license, Victor to return to practicing as an engineer, and help Arabella on her path to a healthy, normal life. Join us in helping this resilient family triumph over adversity – your support can help us make a world of difference.
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* Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a form of chronic lung disease that affects newborns, most often those who are born prematurely, resulting in the need for oxygen therapy. In BPD the lungs and the airways (bronchi) are damaged, causing tissue destruction (dysplasia) in the tiny air sacs of the lung (alveoli). In Arabella’s case, she has hypoplasia because her lungs did not get to develop because of her mother’s early water breakage and then her premature birth.
** Tracheo bronchomalacia (TBM), which is a condition caused by a weak airway that collapses as the individual attempts to breathe. It can present either at birth or in adulthood with a cough, shortness of breath and/or recurrent infections. Arabella has had it since birth and it is often exacerbated when she gets upset and cries, resulting in frequent hospital visits.
(2) The Black Family
Meet the Black Family
The Black family, from Chicago, consists of Eriane Black and her three children—12 year old Timothy, and one-and-a-half year old twins, Edward and Essence. Unexpectedly, Eriane gave birth to the twins, very prematurely at only 26-weeks. Edward fortunately has made amazing strides in his recovery, and was released home in December of 2022. His sister, Essence, however, is still on the road to recovery and has been hospitalized since birth.
Despite the many challenges and hardships that came with the twin’s early arrival, Eriane remains an incredibly, kind, caring, and engaged mother who always manages to find positivity through all she has had to endure. For example, she has been to the hospital nearly every single day since her twins were born. Unfortunately, this has been quite challenging, as it required long, slow trips via public transportation since Eriane does not have a car.
As a result, she is dependent on the CTA to get downtown to visit Essence, take Edward to all his doctor’s appointments, handle all the daily errands that come with caring for her family, and more.
Her dream? Having a reliable car that would transform the family’s day-to-day; letting Eriana more easily and safely get to her son’s doctor’s appointments, more easily see her daughter at the hospital, and attend to the family’s many other daily needs.
Importantly, as the weather cools, the need for a car intensifies: If Eriane gets sick, she will not be allowed to visit her daughter, as the risk to Essence’s health will simply be too great. And, when Essence does get to come home, she will be constantly attached to medical equipment, making a vehicle with two car seats plus room for medical equipment an essential piece of their new reality.
On top of the need for a car, Essence’s discharge and return home is going to require more care, medical equipment, and support. To prepare, Eriane is going to training sessions to make sure she can provide her children with the care they need. Particularly Essence, who will need a number of different tubes, a hospital bed, around-the-clock care, and more.
How We Can Help
With your support, we can help Eriane get a reliable vehicle - a lifeline in her chaotic world. This simple gift would transform their lives, enabling daily medical visits to see and hold Essence, making Edward’s many trips to the doctor more efficient, and safer trips for essential groceries and more. With your help, Eriane can focus on nurturing her children, giving them a chance to be resilient, healthy kids. Let’s come together to help be part of their journey towards a brighter, warmer future.
(3) The Morgan Family
Meet the Morgan Family
The Morgan’s are an incredible family of five, facing extraordinary challenges. Parents, Finas and Carolyn, are the foundation of their family, with three amazing teenage children – the oldest, Marshon (17), and his younger siblings, Damarion (15), and Tacarra (13).
In 2015, their world took an unexpected turn when Marshon began experiencing frequent falls. After numerous medical consultations, it was discovered that Marshon had fatty tissue compressing his spinal cord. He was rushed to surgery to alleviate this condition, but this came with unforeseen consequences: complications from the surgery tragically left Marshon paralyzed from the waist down. At just nine years old, Marshon’s (and his family’s) life was forever changed.
The extended Morgan family has shown incredible strength and unyielding love in caring for Marshon. Unfortunately, Finas and Carolyn’s home was not wheelchair accessible; but luckily Marshon’s grandparents home was, so he moved in. In their Englewood home, a combination of parents, grandparents, siblings, and in-home nurses provided around-the-clock care.
The Morgans are doing everything they can to give their children all their love and support. Finas works as a forklift operator, but can only commit to limited hours, as at least one parent must always available for Marshon's hospital visits, and to pick-up Tacarra and Damarion from school each day. Carolyn, in-turn, is by Marshon’s side in the hospital every single day.
For Marshon, despite his health challenges, his spirit perseveres. Education remains a priority, even though he's barely been to a physical school since the fourth grade. To ensure he receives a quality education, he has enrolled in an online school. Though the transition to remote learning has been a significant challenge, not only for Marshon but also for the entire family, they are determined to power through.
Things had been looking up for the Morgans, until January 2022, when Marshon's medical journey took a critical turn. He had to be re-admitted to the hospital, and unfortunately has remained hospitalized ever since. Marshon’s daily battles include wounds that are slow to heal and kidney dialysis that is required 3 times per week (a procedure he will likely need for the rest of his life). Fortunately, after nearly two years in the hospital, he has recovered enough that his doctors are ready to discharge Marshon and get him back home with his family.
While this is a moment to celebrate, the Morgan family faces a significant dilemma: they don't have a suitable home for Marshon's needs. Marshon’s grandmother passed away during the pandemic, and his grandfather is being forced to move, as the landlord has decided to sell the home. As a result, Marshon will no longer have a home that meets his accessibility needs.
The Morgan’s now face the dual challenge of finding a wheelchair accessible home and reliable transportation that can accommodate Marshon's medical needs. This is further complicated by the fact that in-home nursing providers are unwilling to send nurses to their Englewood-area home, deeming it unsafe.
How We Can Help
Your support and donations can help reunite the Morgan family under one roof, as we can help them in their pursuit of a safe and accessible home and overcome the hurdles they've faced for far too long. With your help, the Morgan’s can rebuild their lives and we can make a lasting impact on their journey to recovery and togetherness.
(4) The Mudasar-Asghr Family
Meet the Mudasar-Asghr Family
Meet Fatima and Mudasar, whose journey to the United States has been fraught with challenges, starting with their escape from Pakistan due to the threats they faced as an inter-religious couple. Upon their arrival in the U.S., the father was immediately detained for 18 months, leaving a pregnant Fatima alone to navigate a new country, give birth, and care for their daughter. The separation took a toll on the family, causing lasting trauma for all members. Reunited after 18 months, Mudasar’s health deteriorated significantly due to the stress of detention, leading to multiple health conditions including high cholesterol, diabetes, severe headaches, muscle cramps, and stomach ulcers.
Though the family has been reunited, they continue to face financial challenges, with Mudasar unable to work due to his health issues, and Fatima, a trained nurse in Pakistan, currently only able to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for a lower income. Fatima, now a mother of three, faces the dilemma of either focusing on job searching or studying for the NCLEXs to transfer her nursing credentials to the U.S. The family's income instability has led to falling behind on rent payments, putting them at risk of eviction. Their current one-bedroom apartment is insufficient for their growing family, and concerns about the old building's impact on the children's health add to their housing worries.
Health is a pressing concern for the Mudasar-Asghr family, with regular doctor appointments for all family members, including the youngest daughter's hydronephrosis requiring constant monitoring and potential surgery. The Mudasar-Asghr family's health requires multiple weekly appointments, but the cost of medications is prohibitive, causing long-term health management challenges. Despite being on Medicaid, the family struggles to afford essential medications, quite literally a lifeline for this family.
The Mudasar-Asghr family was once supported by World Relief, but now finds themselves without external assistance, making it challenging to meet even the most basic needs. The absence of a support network in a new country, and the constant struggle for survival leave them unable to fully enjoy their moments together as a family.
How We Can Help
With your help, we can provide crucial financial support for rent, medical expenses, and medications, allowing the Mudasar-Asghr family to focus on rebuilding their lives, securing stable housing, and addressing their health. In extending a helping hand, we can play a vital role in alleviating the burdens this resilient family faces daily.