My Friend Needs Help – Hear My Plea

Wed, Oct 24, 2007

Working at Home

Updates below!

My good friend Tishia Lee is in a terrible pinch and she needs help. Some of you know her. She’s my Virtual Assistant and my co-host on Mom’s Morning Show.

A single mom, Tishia makes a better living today than she ever has before – but that isn’t saying much. Being self employed allows her to be home for her son and gives her a lot of potential for continuing to better her situation as time goes by… but her present income just barely keeps her afloat.
Right now she really needs help… let me explain… (She’ll probably fry me in the morning when she sees this but I think she’ll forgive me.)

A few months back, her old beater of a car died (again). This is after she put about $500 in repairs into it. She was without a car for weeks, relying on friends and family to take her shopping and pick her up for things. Just the week before last she finally was able to take her meager savings, a $500 gift from a family member and a $500 loan from another family member and buy a 1992 Ford Taurus. (Another beater to tell the truth but she’s grateful to have a car at all.)

At the same time the computer she relies on for her living started to crash several times each day. Without any cash on hand, her step-dad helped her buy a new computer on a payment plan. She got a great deal on the computer but now she has that extra payment to make.

All through this time, she has been to the doctor about a situation and he ordered her to have tests done at the hospital – but when she went in she was turned away because she earns too much money to qualify for full medicaid and has to pay a two hundred dollar co-pay to the hospital in order to have it done. So at this time she is untested and untreated for a potentially serious medical situation.

I know I’m describing the common condition of thousands of single moms and even married couples all over the world – but this is my friend and I really want to do something to help her.

It gets worse. Today she received a letter from the electric company with shocking news. They have been undercharging her for two years and they are about to deduct a payment of nearly $800 from her account in just a couple of weeks to catch things up.

Can you imagine reading a letter like that in her situation? You can catch her reaction on her blog.

This is the proverbial straw that could break the camel’s back. She told me tonight (through a headache and stuffy nose from crying so much today) that it feels like one thing after another and she can’t take anymore.

Of course I encouraged her and told her that she CAN take it and WILL take it – but I completely understand how overwhelmed she is. I’ve been there in that moment when it feels like no matter how hard you work, the crap will just keep burying you.

I know Tishia is in better shape money wise than ever before. I know that days like these will be behind her in a year or two. But I also know that RIGHT NOW - she needs help.

So I’m asking. I’m flat out asking. Would you help her?

If your heart breaks for her like mine does, please reach deep and make a gift to her PayPal account. Her account address is tishialee@hotmail.com

Some incentive…

I’m not asking for the moon – I’m just asking for whatever you can give. No amount is too small… but I’m going to sweeten the pot for anyone who gives $50 or more. Forward your PayPal receipt to me (kelly@kellymccausey.com) and I’ll give you a free hour of one on one business coaching.

That’s all.. I’m done. I’m hoping we can raise what she needs for the electric bill at a minimum and if we can get her out of hock for the car and computer well that would just rock wouldn’t it?

Let’s do it Moms. Let’s rock her world.

Update: Aurelia Williams of Real Life Coaching has further sweetened the pot by offering a one hour one on one coaching session with her as well to anyone who gives more than $50. Thank you Aurelia! To claim that session, forward your PayPal receipt to Aurelia at wah_momma@yahoo.com.

Update: At 1:45pm Eastern on Thursday the total received so far is $676.67! Our community is so amazing!

Update: At 5:35 pm Eastern on Thursday the total is $1003.67!

Update: $1284.67 Friday Morning! Hear Tishia’s response on Mom’s Morning Show #40.

Update: $1,364.67 on Sunday Night

This post was written by:

Kelly McCausey is the host of Work at Home Moms Talk Radio and owner of Mom's Talk Network. She has built a successful internet based home business and helps other moms do the same.

Contact the author

  • Dawn
    I came to read this story in a relatively roundabout way, but feel as if I was guided here. I am on the verge of losing everything myself due to a disabling illness. I have felt so desperate and sad day and night lately. By reading this story, I am given hope that not everything in the world turns out so horribly, and that there are still good, caring people out there. While I have exhausted all avenues of hope for myself, it gives me some joy to know good things can happen to good people. My thoughts and prayers are with Tishia and all the lovely people who gave her help when she needed it.
  • I've been away since Wednesday, so just saw this last night, but I did send a little something over, hopefully Tishia has enough now for everything she needs to take care. :)
  • How awesome that everyone has pulled together to help! Glad to hear Tishia will have the money to pay those thieves (though I hope she doesn't have to) and then some.
  • Wow! You guys are so amazing! This is so neat! I love to see things like this happen! It's a truly beautiful thing :)
  • Hey Tishia,

    (((((((Hugs))))))) on my way to paypal ;-)
  • Kelly, Tishia is indeed blessed to have you as a friend. It's rare that people will jump in to help a friend like that in this day and age. Be blessed for doing that Kelly.

    Tishia, I have prayed for you because I understand where you're coming from. We all have our own "surprises" to bear and wonder where on earth help is going to come from. Keep your faith in God strong. Lean on Him. He sometimes uses friends like Kelly, and all the others that have helped, to meet our needs.

    I personally can't give right now, but I have prayed and will send something when I can. May God's blessings and provision totally overwhelm you.
    Mara
  • First, Tishia you are in my prayers! ((HUGS)) Kelly, you are an awesome friend anyone would be grateful to have.

    Next, HOLY COW!!! Over 1K in less than 24 hours is awesome and it just tickles me pink to see all the love and support from all those in the WAHM community!
  • WOW! Over $1,000 --- that's amazing! What a wonderful blessing :)
  • I wish I could give, but I too am a single mom with similar problems but please know Tishia you will be in my prayers...many thoughts and prayers and some (((BIG HUGS))) I wish it could be so much more.
  • That is so awesome. We all have hard times and there's no shame in needing a little push over a big bump in the road. I love that the blogging community can pull together like this and help each other!

    I know a few months ago I needed some help when I was moving and my internet friends, though they couldn't physically help me move my belongings each sent me a few dollars so that I could pay my gigantic electric bill. It was a huge weight lifted from my shoulders and I don't know what I would have done without them.

    Kelly you're a good friend :-) Wishing Tishia the best!
  • Tisha my heart and prayers go out to you!!!

    I have been in your position and then some! I am still there, so I can not donate any money; but I just wanted you to know
    that I will be praying for you, and for your situation.
  • Tishia
    Wow. That's about the only word I've been able to mutter all day. I'm still in awe over the support everyone has given me. It still seems so 'unreal' that I have enough money to pay my electric bill plus go back to the hospital to get the medical testing done that I need to have done.

    I don't even know how to begin thanking everyone - thank you just doesn't even begin to express my gratefulness or gratitude for all the support from everyone.
  • Hello Kelly & Tishia Lee!
    Kelly,you did the right thing by helping Tishia Lee this way, that makes you a great friend! Tishia I have been where you are, so don't give up.I'll be praying for you..keep your head up. Does your area have HEAP/PIPP for Elec and Gas?
    Psalm 121:1
  • So sorry to hear that all of this is happening. I know what it feels like! Praying for the pot to keep going up and she has MORE than enough to cover that $800 bill!
  • ACK - that's just not right! Know that you have a circle of friends to help you make it through your day.
    It's that old saying...when life gives you lemons....
    Hang in there girl!
  • You ladies are what friendship and care is all about! I hope what I sent can help, but Tishia, as has already been said, many of us have been there. Stay strong - you have a wonderful friend in Kelly!!

    Sharon
  • Hi I emailed here we have the seam company and I so FEEL FOR HER!
    I am having a hard time with this same company what they are doing to us has to be illegal! They are so mean and just rude when you try to call them and are of no help. You would think it comes out of there pay checks! I am here to tell you this company is so not right but you have no chose but to use them. Maybe that why they do this they know you have to use them or go with out.
    Anyway I sent what I could not much but I am being told I have to come up with $800 also from the seam company so I wanted to help
    This company sucks!
  • Tishia is wonderful! She's got a kind heart and is an invaluable VA. What a wonderful thing you have done here, Kelly. This community is the so caring. Here's to the beginning of better times for you :-)
  • You gals are great!! Can you believe we've raised over $650 by lunchtime???
  • (Insert supportive, witty, vaguely religious but not over the top comment here)
  • I sent a blessing as well. Tishia, you just keep your head up and things will all fall into place. I am happy to do as much as I can to help you. Kelly, you are a wonderful friend for sharing this with others. Thanks to everyone who has sent donations and prayers.
  • I love that Tishia Lady - I sent in a blessing, twittered about her and hooked up with Kelly on the Morning show to talk about her as well!!! Love ya gurl!!
  • Just sent Tishia a donation. I think we've all been in similar situations at some point in our lives, especially as wahm's. Things can get really tight. Keep your head up Tishia Lee.
  • My heart goes out to Tishia - I know how difficult and overwhelming it can be. Sent her some help too.
  • WOW! What an outpouring of WAHM love! Tishia Lee is blessed with your presence in her life Kelly. My prayers are with Tishia. I would contact a consumer group and complain about the utility company because that is not right.

    As soon as I can I will send Tishia some $$$.
  • Rocked. Tishia deserves a little help. :-)
  • Sent Tisha something :)
  • Thanks Christina for the shout out. Kelly you are a true friend of action. People like you really matter in peoples lives. Happy to send something. Praise God for friendships.
  • My mom was a single mother with 5 kids, and I know we received help from family and friends a lot as I was growing up. I'm grateful that mom had such great friends to help us out, and that Tishia has Kelly! I've sent a little to help, and I'm praying that your electric bill is resolved quickly!
  • Tishia... you know what they say, it's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission ;)

    What an awesome thing to wake up to! Thanks to everyone who has given and promised prayers already this morning. A respectable dent has already been made at 9am and I can't wait to see where things end up!
  • tsoniki
    Tishia has such a kind heart. She is such a good person who can and like you said Kelly, WILL handle all that is handed to her. I was raised by a single mom, and she and I have a great relationship. I saw how hard it was at times for her and having family and friend support always helped. I gladly sent Tishia money.
  • It doesn't seem legal that the electric company has a flaw in their billing system and yet Tishia is being penalized with this humongous bill. Seems to me somebody on their end should have caught this much sooner and I don't know anybody who just has an extra $700 laying around so it would be a hardship to just about anybody.

    I was happy to help and I will also say some prayers.
  • Truly if I could I would send money. My family is going through a money crisis right now and I've actually just borrowed from my 401k to catch-up. If there is any cash left over, I will gladly give to help Tishia then. In the mean time, I'll include you in my prayers Tishia.
  • What a great idea to help a friend out in need! I can completely understand how life can throw us a few curve balls and in that moment it seems as if we will never come out on top again.

    I have gladly sent Tishia a little something. :)
  • Tishia
    I have to say that yes at first I was upset that you shared Kelly. It was ok to rant on my blog because there are only a couple people who read it but your blog reaches a lot more people so it instantly made me feel like a big ole charity case and just one more person out there that is struggling.

    But then I stopped and began to thank God that I have you as a friend and you are trying to do something to help me.

    And to all of you that sent me money - thank you so much. It's hard to express the greatfullness I feel. And for the prayers I'm thankful too because I really need that reinforcement right now too!
  • Kelly, I just sent Tishia Lee money. (I posted but can't see my comment, so forgive me if there are 2 posts from me here). (It's getting late).
    What a wonderful friend you are.
    Also -- I always love to have coaching from you!
    I can empathize -- 1998 was my "dark night of soul" and without friends and family I would not have made it through.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Tishia.
    Diana
  • What a great deal - a chance to help out a friend and coaching from Kelly too! I've sent Tishia what I can to help out - hope we can all do something, even if it's just prayers. There but for the grace of God......
  • Praying for Tishia. I can't be much help financially right now, but I can pray. :)

    I'll spread the word some in the morning, too.
  • Kelly I just sent Tishia money. We have been there where Tishia is and you know that... I have shared privately. It warms my heart to know she has a wonderful friend like you to do this.

    Tishia is a sweet soul and its about time good things start to happen for her because she would do anything for anyone as well.

    I'm hoping we in the WAHM world can raise enough money to help her. My heart goes out to her deeply.

    Much love,
    Jen
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