CASE 19

Myracle, 3, earned her name by entering this world five months prematurely with a hole in her heart. She spent the first six months of her life in the hospital and has had surgery to repair the hole. But problems persist. Myracle didn't sit until she was 2, or crawl until six months after that. She still cannot speak or sign to communicate her wants and needs. She has seizures that sometimes last more than five minutes. Recently, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Myracle splits her time living with each parent. When she's with her father, R, they reside with his blind mother. R has made mistakes in the past. But he goes to Narcotics Anonymous to meet parole requirements and is looking for a job. Myracle's eyes light up when her father walks in the room. The family is behind on utility bills and have been warned that they must repair their garage roof. Clothing and gift certificates to grocery stores would be appreciated.

CASE 20

Both victims of terrifying crimes, Ms. M's two children are afraid to leave their home. Her son, now 20, was shot in the head while leaving a concert last year. And her daughter, now 11, escaped a would-be kidnapper on her walk home from school a year ago. The shooting left Ms. M's son with bullet fragments in his head. He used to love spending time with friends but rarely leaves his room now, even to attend school. Instead of helping her son plan his future, the single mom, 45, can't stop worrying about his mental health. With doctor and counseling appointments and missed time from work, Ms. M has fallen behind in her bills: $1,375 in overdue rent, $422 for gas and $193 for electric. And her situation was recently further complicated when she underwent heart surgery for a clogged artery.

CASE 21

Ms. W, a divorced mom with six children in her home, is about to start to a new job after a long period of unemployment. Although the new income will help, the family is barely able to maintain basic needs for survival. They live in a subsidized home, but the gas was recently cut off because of unpaid bills. They have no heat. Her children sleep on mattresses on the floor in two bedrooms. There are not enough sheets and blankets for everyone. Any gift will significantly improve life for Ms. W and her children, 2 to 17. The family needs help with its utility and food costs. But they are also greatly in need of household items such as towels and clothing and shoes. Ms. W also needs six new mattresses with proper bed frames and bedding.

Profiles by Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian, Elizabethe Holland and Nancy Cambria of the Post-Dispatch.