This notation is written to outline the series of events which led to their present situation and subsequent request for Loss Mitigation Assistance.

 An April 18th, 2004, Bernardino was struck by another motorist in a direct motor vehicle collision. The other driver was late for work, speeding an excess of limit, and openly admitted running the red light facing him. Unfortunately for them, this person was unable to provide a driver’s license, proof of insurance, or even a social security number. He was issued several tickets at the accident scene and was allowed to go by the Houston Police Department.

 Bernardino was cut out of his vehicle, back boarded and collared by the paramedics of the Houston Fire Department. He was transported to the Methodist Hospital Emergency Department where Erwina is employed as an RN. After extensive x-rays, CAT scans, and close physical examination by the emergency room doctor. Bernardino was released with the diagnosis of multiple contusions, bruises, but no broken bones or extensive injuries. Both the police and the paramedics interviewed Bernardino while in the ER. They were given the news that the other driver was injury free but unable to provide legal documents to support himself. They were advised to retain the services of an attorney.

 An April 19th, 2004, they visited the holding area of the towing company that secured the accident scene. State Farm adjusters were already there and proceeded to declare the vehicle, a brand-new 2004 Chevy Tahoe, a “ total loss. ” They were advised to see Attorney DeSimone by the owner of the wrecking service in order to facilitate the paperwork with the insurance company involved. They retained the services of said law firm on the same day.

 On April 20th, 2004, Bernardino was referred to Doctor S. Pagano for management of symptoms resulting from the accident. Doctor Pagano is a chiropractor and proceeded to provide care in the form of adjustments to Bernardino’s neck and back. After three weeks of therapy, Bernardino was cleared to return to work. Bernardino then informed Doctor Pagano that he would discontinue visits since he was fit to return to work. The final adjustment resulted in immediate pain and tingling to Bernardino’s left side.

 After several days of pain and gradual numbness, Bernardino returned to Doctor Pagano’s clinic. Doctor Pagano ordered a CAT scan of the head and neck to search for injuries. The results were forwarded to his office and the clinic visits continued until the end of May. By June, Bernardino’s symptoms were worsening. He developed intense headaches, blurred vision, trouble walking, and distinctive weakness to his left arm and left leg. Doctor Pagano’s services were discontinued after several sessions where Bernardino constantly informed him of worsening symptoms and growing anxiety that more harm was occurring rather than good. Bernardino was put on short term disability leave by his employer, the Methodist Hospital.

 Between June and July 2004, Bernardino was admitted several times for neurological problems stemming from symptoms related to continuous complaints post chiropractic therapy. The Methodist Hospital was unable to pinpoint the cause of worsening condition despite several CAT scans and MRI. By mid-July, 2004, Bernardino was unable to walk without assistance, drive a vehicle, sit/stand/lie down for more than five minutes, continuous headaches and numbness and weakness to bilateral extremities. A myelogram was done at the insistence of Erwina since CT/MRI results were negative. The myelogram showed fractures in C3-C4 of the spine. Bernardino underwent decompression and fusion of the C-spine on July the 19th, 2004.

 By September 2004, Bernardino was terminated from his position with the hospital and was given long-term disability status. His ability to earn was reduced to an income of $1134.25 a month. Erwina continues to work as an RN in order to provide for the family. State Farm insurance was unable to pursue the other driver for damages. The other driver failed to appear in court to address the citations in which he was charged with. It is unknown if this individual is still in the United States. Bernardino severed his relationship with the DeSimone Law Firm and hired the Matthews Law Firm to represent his case against Dr. Pagano for chiropractic malpractice. Litigation is pending as of July 2005.

 Bernardino and Erwina continue to reside in their home located at 8503 Rigby Court, Humble, TX. They have four children: Xianelle- age 13, Xiarhina- age 10, Xiarissa- age 7, and Marcus- age 5. The children reside in the same home and attend local public schools. The family has the use of one vehicle for transportation to work/school. Due to Bernardino’s continuing disability and frequent hospitalizations, the family continues to experience financial hardship. The family has recently been granted permanent residency status as of January 2005 and is therefore ineligible to receive social security assistance for dependence. Erwina’s income remains the sole source of financial stability for the family. Her income is affected by frequent leaves taken in order to care for the children and Bernardino during his many hospital admissions. Recent cutbacks to overtime shifts at the hospital has led to further reductions in income earned. Furthermore, Bernardino and Erwina have no family support in the United States.

 In conclusion, Bernardino continues to hold disability status and Erwina is currently seeking a second, full-time job in order to supplement finances. They have applied for disability status for homestead tax assessment purposes. They are requesting a stay of foreclosure and wish to enter into an agreement with Waterfield Mortgages to reduce the monthly payment and to extend the length of time the mortgage is contracted for. They are in the process of debt consolidation and review by attorney for possible bankruptcy. It is their hope to remain in their home if possible as poor credit standings indicate low probability for re-location to another house/apartment. They have consulted several real estate firms in Houston and were told market value of home would not be met due to surplus of homes for sale in the immediate vicinity. It is understood the equity in the present home is limited, however Bernardino and Erwina feel all avenues of relief have been explored, and therefore request any assistance in saving their home.

Im 25, single mother. Going to bartending school. (hopefully that will give me a leg up!!) Life story is accompanied by a violen so we wont get into it. Son is 6 and im 7 weeks prego!! The fathers are not here by choice and i will be a single parent to both. I do believe in God but im a little unstable i will admit. Ive gave and hope that its time to come full circle on paybacks, cause that means my yacht and mansion are arround the corner!LOL! 99% of the time im a glass half full girl, but woof its tough. Favorite color is Blue and im a dog lover. Would love to become a singer one day, hey if Fantasia can do it, I know I got a chance!! Love to fish, shoot pool, read EVERYTHING, and currently eating has become my favorite past time!!LOL ( oh and then worshipping the porcilean Goddess! Dang this baby is picky! LOL) My dream is to be a pscychiatrist. but we will start small and say social worker.
Guess thats it for now....

I'm a single mother of 2 boys, ages 13 and 21. My youngest lives with me, while my oldest lives in another state. I was recently re-diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis...December 2006. Originally diagnosed in 1997, I worked thru the many problems this disease afforded me, w/o insurance or a doctor per se...until an enjoyable yet extremely physically hard job brought about, little by little, regularly occuring symptoms of MS. I quit that job after over 2 years in hopes that I might be able to go back to work after a short break. I did do so, working in the mental health field. Again, loving the work and the people, but early rising and walking  to and from work, brought on more health issues and after my brother passed away soon after beginning this job, I decided something was bound to give and I didn't want it to be me. I applied for SSI and disability, started back with medical help, went on medication for my symptoms, and recently started an MS based intermuscular medication.

     I try very hard to keep a smile on my face, remain positive no matter what, if not for the MS but for my 13 year old son. He doesn't complain, he very rarely asks for anything and if he wants something, he saves the money he gets for birthdays, etc for it. He recently got $20 and what did he buy? A pair of sandals for himself for $6. He helps around the home...not w/o complaints mind you..he STILL is a teen!...but he generally is so good natured and happy, I cannot believe my luck as far as  sons are concerned. His older brother is exactly the same...both being glad they were raised by me and in a non material world. Do you know how much I wish I could have raised them WITH those little things? But I'm glad they know unconditional love, if not anything else.

      I cannot work, although I want to (SO MUCH)...my arm muscles and leg muscles are affected most, along with memory. Amazing how I retain my love of writing. I would LOVE to take up photography although that will have to wait for Christmas, when I can ask for a digital camera from Santa. I want to get my poetry published but with the fatigue MS provides me, that small taks tends to get in the way when it comes down to what is done first around our home. I get assistance with rent...I pay $150 of the full amt...I also get medicaid and food stamps. I get $348 in child support but out of it has to come utilities, rent and whatever else I need for the month. Needless to say the other bills I owe are put along the wayside, and I am constantly behind on utilities and those other bills. I hate this disease at times and hate having to be asking for help, financial or other wise. I do not have a car so rides to get groceries or my scrips are hard to come by cause that means I have to actually ASK. It's always been ME who was the one to go to...and now it's ME who needs the help. How uttlerly humbling that is. Even now, the tears run down my face as I realize where this disease has brought me. Yet you know those tears will not last long, because surely others need my prayers and those tears.

Well, I am a Christian.  I am a mom to 2 boys they are 4 and 1.  I am married, we have been for almost 6 years!  I am learning that life is too short and goes too fast and no matter how hard to stop the roller coaster we cannot.  I have learned that there is good in everyone, and I try to see it.  I put everyone else in front of me, which I got from my parents.  I love my family and my friends.  I love helping others.  I love making people smile, no matter how small the jesture, you can make the difference.  I have learned to be humble through this and patience.  I have learned how strong my faith is and even though it seems to be tested a little more everyday I love Christ and I plan to just get stronger.

2007 started a little early this year.  On Dec. 23 my dad went into the hospital where he was diagnosed with MDS.  Please know I am 26, married and have 2 children.  My husband and I lost our home in April, and we are now renting from a family member.  In April, my dad's MDS turned into leukemia.  He has a lot of odds against him and we are all praying for a miracle.  In the meantime, my mom and dad were helping us with utilities and such as I lost my job because of everything going on, and they said I was just not preforming, I was doing the best that I could.  I have started an e-bay business that I pray takes off and my husband who still works full time is also starting a residential remodeling business on the side.  Of course we have no start up money so it is VERY slow going.  Here is the problem that I have right now, we are behind on rent and about to lose this place and we will have no where to go, I am scared.  My children are 4 and 1.  We are also behind on utilities and they plan on cutting things off starting next week.  We are using every penny that comes in to pay something towards our bills but things just continue to pile up.  We have asked family and friends for help and we have prayed and prayed and now I am doing the last thing I ever thought I would do and that is telling the world.  I know that there are people out there who want to help, I just hope someone can help us.  We do not need much, in comparision.  We need 2192.00 to get caught up on everything which will help us so much.  They have given my dad less than 6 months and I want to be able to enjoy the precious time, not worry about everything.  Thank you for listening and may God Bless you all.  Please know that I will add you to my prayer list and I will remember your thoughts and generosity. 

I Know the God living in the heart of every person of this world.I am sending by God here to make some works about human kind,Every livings feel emotions of every livings.I am alone and feeling that who is helping me,I am requesting to world,who have heart of feeling,have emotions for expressing,have strength to create world,and have family can mind my troubles.