Artwork for the 2025 100 Neediest Cases campaign, which helps thousands of families and individuals during the holidays throughout the St. Louis region.
Brooke Bender, St. Joseph's Academy
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Case 76: Ms. I, 62, has endured more heartbreak and hardship than most could imagine. Nineteen years ago her son died. Five years ago her last child and his wife were each murdered and neither case is solved. Their deaths left behind young children suddenly without parents and with deep trauma. Ms. I took them and became a licensed foster parent, and is now caring for three sisters, too. The May tornado ripped this family's home apart, leaving the house with significant damage and Ms. I is fighting to restore her home so it's a safe, mold-free place to live. Ms. I and her family need help, and they're hopeful this holiday season.
Case 77:Â Ms. S was a successful businesswoman, community supporter and devoted mother of two when her life suddenly changed the day she went into cardiac arrest. Her life was saved but the aftermath has been devastating. She woke up with her sight gone, unable to speak or walk and with a brain injury that has greatly affected her memory. Her husband has been incarcerated and her 80-year-old mother-in-law has stepped in to help Ms. S and the children. Ms. S has lost her business, owes more than $1,000 in bills, has drained her savings and is facing mounting medical bills and losing her home. Overnight, Ms. S went from independence to complete reliance on others, leaving her and her family in a desperate situation.Â
Case 78:Â Ms. E lives with epilepsy and is raising her six children with a baby on the way. One of her sons has autism and she's fighting to get him the specialized help he needs. She's resilient and committed to her children but the bills are also piling up, her washer and dryer went out, and she lost her car after getting behind on the payments so she doesn't have reliable transportation. Ms. E says that coats, clothes, shoes, diapers and toys for the kids would go a long way and be so appreciated.Â
The Post-Dispatch, which has partnered with the United Way for over five decades, will highlight the stories of 100 families over the next month.Â
Artwork for the 2025 100 Neediest Cases campaign, which helps thousands of families and individuals during the holidays throughout the St. Louis region.
