Hospice of Santa Barbara
As a care manager and grief counselor for Adriana, I initially met her at Cottage Hospital. She was in a great deal of pain due to experiencing liver failure and waiting for a needed liver transplant. Her mother was by her side as well as her husband. Her mother shared that Adriana was 32 years old and had two children, aged 9 and 14. Adriana was a very good mother, and she assisted her husband who had a mobile mechanic business. The waiting time for a transplant was becoming very difficult, not only emotionally but financially. Her mother was her primary caregiver for her, coming to the hospital every day and taking care of her at home. Her mother had applied for family leave at her work, but it was pending, so she was behind on her rent and was looking at next month’s rent without the funds to pay.
Speaking to The Starfish Connection, about their situation, they were able to quickly assist with paying the back payment and one month of rent which totaled $900.00. This enabled her mother to continue to care for her daughter and move her care to UCLA, where the family was hopeful that they would be closer to a possible liver transplant. Unfortunately, Adriana was not able to receive the transplant and died on January 18, 2023.
Adriana’s mother was so grateful and appreciative of The Starfish Connection for the rental assistance. She was very overwhelmed with taking care of her daughter and the assistance eased her stress by knowing she still had her apartment. She was so dedicated to her daughter’s care and would do anything for her. The assistance gave them additional time together as they faced Adriana’s end of life.
I am also very appreciative of this program. You truly fill a gap that is needed that cannot be found anywhere else.