Welcome
The Deland Community Foundation is dedicated to aiding Denise Deland and her children. Established in Plainfield IL we realized that when families need help we can count on others like you to step up to the plate with a giving and helping hand. We believe that with your donation the Deland family will be able to start their lives a new.
Everything In Life Comes Full Circle.
Robert and Denise Deland graduated from Wheaton North High School. They dated throughout their high school years, and then married after graduation. Robert died suddenly in June 2009 from a heart attack at the age of 42.
They are the proud parents of 6 children ages: 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, and 22. Three of the six children have Cystic Fibrosis, one of which also has cancer. The 17 year old is the most ill and requires frequent hospital visits.
Their Story
The family rents a very old farmhouse in Plainfield, Illinois at a cost of $900.00/month, with the understanding that Robert would do all the repairs. The cost to heat the home in the winter is $800.00/month. The family has been unable to afford that cost, so they have been heating the house using wood.
Denise does not own a car; a friend has given her a car to use temporarily, and her mother has offered to pay for car insurance if needed. The family does not have a phone in the house except for a cell phone donated by a friend. Another friend paid for minutes on the cell phone.
Robert was a carpenter by trade. He was in the Union, however as the housing market came to a halt, so did his job and pay check. Robert continued to pay his Union dues using up his pension fund. He continued to work odd jobs so his children could have health care. Denise has never worked.
When Robert passed away Denise was able to come up with $400.00 for the cremation. She owes another $400.00 to the crematorium. The Calvary Church in Naperville provided the family a funeral service, and flowers were donated by Dominick’s. This family has enormous needs. Denise and Robert have never asked for hand outs, they didn’t even apply for public aid or food stamps, for which they did qualify.
It was a family member of a friend who has made this very heartbreaking situation public knowledge asking for help in Denise’s and her children’s name.
I was very skeptical after reading about this tragedy. How could anyone have so much tragedy in their life? I contacted Denise by phone and asked if I could meet with her. She graciously agreed. I asked a close friend to accompany me and she was anxious to meet this family and offer what ever was necessary.
We were able to meet her children as well. They are very polite, but verbalized concern regarding their future. In fact, Jeff the 13 year old thought we were there to take them away from their mother. Denise’s July rent and electric bill was paid by a private organization. She currently has $200.00 in cash, and a half tank of gas.
We asked Denise what she felt her most urgent need was. Denise stated the children needed counseling, they were present when their dad had his heart attack, one of the boys started CPR while Denise called 911, and then she took over CPR. Denise has never asked for help, she and Robert felt this was always God’s plan and he would help them get through all the trials.
Our hearts go out to this family and we want to help in anyway we can. We are asking for any assistance you are able to give. Please help us help this family.
God Bless
100% of your donations go to the Deland Family
