RAPID RIVER -- It takes a lot of energy to care for all the children at Little Light of Mine Child Center in Gladstone. But it's especially tough for Diane Roberts.
The Rapid River mother is battling liver failure.
“I have up and down times,” explains Roberts. “You caught me on a good day today."
Diane found out she had liver failure in January. Now she's been put on the waiting list for a new liver. She's been told in may cost around $200,000.
But friends and coworkers are rallying behind her.
“She's going through a very hard time right now,” said Little Light of Mine Program Director, Myrna Hughes. “And to me, I am so thankful that we can help her, that I can help her. And we love her and we just want to make sure that she knows that we are there for her."
In fact, her coworkers have helped organize a benefit to help shoulder Diane’s travel and medical expenses.
The road ahead offers a lot of uncertainties, but Diane tries not to think about it - and tries not to think about the possibility of not getting a new liver. For now, the busyness of work takes her mind off of the what-if's.
“Oh, you have to have something to keep you going,” Roberts said. “Otherwise you'd be down, depressed. It’s very important that I keep going and working and doing as much as I can."
The public benefit for Diane will be held on Saturday, August 6, at the Rapid River Lions Club. Bay Banks is also accepting donations for Diane Roberts.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC