I’m the kind of person who drops my change into that collection jar on the counter to help a family in need.

I’m sure you’ve seen the cans or jars set up to collect money for someone you don’t even know. I look at their photo and think, “How sad…” as I say a silent prayer for them.  As my extra change drops to the bottom of the collection jar I give a silent ‘Thank you’ that I am in good health.

Soon I’m on my way I feeling like I did my small part to help a family in need.

What would you do if an old friend of yours was sick and in the hospital for almost a year?

Sadly…I found out first hand with a dear friend of mine, Peggy Dieterman.  This is Peggy & Doug’s engagement photo.

This nightmare began last year right around this time…

In October of 2008, my husband Daniel and I flew to Newport Beach, CA to attend the wedding of my dear friend Peggy. Peg and I met back in 1986 at the mortgage company we worked at in Orange County, California and became very close friends.

Seeing how beautiful Peg looked and how happy she and her new husband, Doug warmed my heart and made me realize how important my friends are to me. Peg always made an effort to come and see me whenever I was in Los Angeles. Peg waited until she was in her 40’s to marry the man of her dreams. In the photo below,

Peg (On the right) and I during happier times.

Around Thanksgiving of 2008 Peg wasn’t feeling well and began to complain of lower back pain. By New Year’s Eve 2009, Peg was losing her eyesight and had already lost her hearing in one ear. Doctors were at a loss as to what was wrong with her.

By March 2009, Peg’s condition was so severe she started having seizures.  Peg was admitted into the hospital as Doug could no longer care for her. Fast forward to her current status. Peg is now in a 24 hour rehabilitation center near her home in La Mirada, CA. Doctors removed a cancerous right kidney last March but still do not know why Peg is not getting better.

Peg cannot hear at all.

Her eyesight is blurred.

She cannot speak and has been on a trachea tube and feeding tube for almost a year.

Doctors are still baffled and offer little other than a ‘wait and see’ approach.

Her family and friends and of course her new husband Doug are devastated.  Doug has spent literally every day at the hospital with Peg.  He has the love and support of his faith, his family and friends but now is facing financial difficulties.

Doug is back to work after exhausting his family leave and now trying to keep their home from foreclosure.  Unfortunately Medical now takes all of Peg’s Social Security checks. Medical bills have overwhelmed him and his savings has run dry.  His family has given as much help as they can and yet Doug is trying his best to stay positive hold it all together hoping that someday Peg will come home to him.

Taken in Palm Springs, CA 1993 - Peg is 2nd from left in the white hat. I am just above her in the straw hat.

Peg’s prognosis at this point is guarded. She is unable to communicate.

This once funny,  vibrant, gorgeous woman is now almost lifeless and nothing but skin and bones.

Long term 24 hour care is needed to keep her on the trachea tube and to continue physical therapy.

A fund has been set up at the Bank of America in La Mirada, CA to assist with Peg’s medical bills. Any amount you can spare is appreciated  and so desperately needed.

Your contribution will help this family with this difficult time and hopefully someday, our Peg will come home.

Doug is asking for any amount you can spare. Thank you in advance for your contribution and please pass this along to others who may be able to help.
Account Information:
Peg’s Fund
Peggy and Doug Dieterman

Click here for map/address/more info
Bank of America

Account # 179 076 7048

15200 Rosecrans Blvd
La Mirada, CA 90638
Customer Service: 714.228.2001*
Location Details: Albertsons 6148 La Mirada Mall

Contributions can be accepted by check, money order, cashiers check or wire transfer.

Be sure to indicate Peg’s Fund on your contribution and the account number.

If you would like to send Peggy and/or Doug a card with a word of support and encouragement send to:

Karen Anderson

For Peggy and Doug Dieterman

PO BOX 256

Elk WA 99009