Client Story: Kianna, Pearl, and Amon

A sick child is a family’s worst nightmare. Hospital visits, long trips to out-of-state specialists, uncertainty about next steps, and the anxiety of what could come from each visit is a very small portion of the stress households face when dealing with illness. 

Kianna knows that stress well. Kianna also knows the drive to Seattle much better than she ever expected she would. Her youngest son has complex medical conditions and requires more comprehensive care. The only hospital able to see them regularly and has the capabilities to assist in his care is located in Washington. Every few months, when his symptoms worsen, someone in the household has to make the journey across state lines to get him the care he needs. 

A mother and child sit in a doctor’s appointment.

An unexpected flare up or emergency has impacted the family more than once. Early this year, Kianna had to take her son on one of these emergency trips to Seattle. Kianna missed work, and therefore, the household missed out on income.

Her mother, Pearl, is elderly and helps to take care of the children daily. Kianna’s husband, Amon, is currently between jobs, but was unable to take their son to Seattle because he’s been actively interviewing for full-time positions. While awaiting a job offer, he has been taking on part-time, temporary work when possible.

The missed income from the unexpected trip coupled with ongoing medical bills has put the family in a difficult situation. Although Kianna was able to return to work immediately after returning to Boise, even a few days of missed work resulted in financial hardship for the family. 

High medical bills coupled with monthly rent put a massive strain on the income the family had. Kianna began to look for options to keep the family housed, and found Jesse Tree. 

Once connected with a case manager, Jesse Tree was able to immediately intervene. Their case manager provided connections to other community resources that would help the family meet their basic needs. Jesse Tree was able to pay the rental arrears and help the family effectively communicate with their landlord.  Kianna is now able to focus on her child’s health and her family is able to stay safely housed.