SUNBURY — Billie Jo Foulds, who is raising three children, supporting her ill mother and recuperating from a recent surgery, said this holiday season is a bit tougher than in years past.
Foulds’ mother moved into her daughter and son-in-law’s home in 2004 when she was first diagnosed with cancer. She is also diabetic and needs a number of medications for the illnesses.
“She lost her job because of it and had a lot of problems, so she went into early retirement,” said Foulds, 29, of Sunbury. “She’s been living with me ever since.”
Since then, she has cut back on hours at her job so she can take care of her mother. That includes making sure her mother takes medication and driving her to medical appointments.
Foulds also was out of work for a few weeks after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. She recently returned to her job.
“I needed to help pay rent because if I don’t work, I don’t get money to pay bills,” she said. “It’s rough.”
In addition to her own son, Xander, 4, she helps take care of her niece and nephew — Grace, 3, and Xavier, nine months. Her sister lives with her family, too.
“I’m not one to turn family away. I’d go broke to help,” Foulds said.
For Christmas, Xander is hoping for some Thomas trains, while her niece is interested in Tinkerbell and her nephew is at the age that anything that makes noises and lights up catches his attention.
“I just want the kids to have a great Christmas,” Foulds said, crying. “I don’t care about myself, as long as the kids are happy.”
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