THAW Helps Brightmoor Family Living on Generator

DETROIT, Mich. (WJBK) - Meet your neighbors, the Sandeens, Kevin and Tammy and their children, the youngest two hobbled with autism and cerebral palsy. They've been living in Brightmoor the past two years without power, too broke to pay an old utility bill, too proud to ask for help.

"People don't see us, and if they do, they don't see us as people. They see us as poor, white trash," said Tammy Sandeen.

"Me and my wife want to try and do it on our own, and it's hard. It's hard anywhere," said Kevin Sandeen.

A doctor who met Kevin recently called me and told me about the children. "This is America," the doctor said, "It's just not right. Sick babies without electricity." So, I went to see.

The doctor was right. Their house powered by a generator and extension cords. Lanterns for light, a cooler as a refrigerator and a wood stove for heat.

Their fall from the middle class was a quick one. First they lost their house, then their car, then his job moved away. So, they moved into their present home, but couldn't get power because of an old bill for $3,000.

Then there's no money left over from his unemployment check after the kids' medical bills are paid. In fact, Kevin hasn't bought a new pair of socks in over two years.

"One of the moral basis that we raise our kids on is that we have to count on each other. Above all else, family," Tammy Sandeen said.

It was burning cold on Friday. Something had to be done. I called THAW, The Heat and Warmth Fund, a charitable organization that helps the needy pay their bills and live like human beings.

The CEO is Susan Sherer. She came right away.

"Here are some people that have a bill that has reached a certain size that they can't pay it, so we have paid that bill," she said. "I think that will bridge this gap that you're in and get you to the next place."

"Thank you. God bless you," Kevin Sandeen responded.

The electrician came next. The fuse box is shot, the meter toast and the power line missing, but THAW is on the case. When it's done, the Sandeens and their children's lives will be just a little bit better.

We finally got a story with a happy ending. I made a commitment to this community that I would donate my first paycheck. I'm going to give it to THAW, and if you would like to donate, visit www.thawfund.org or call 1-800-866-THAW for more information.