Neediest Families Christmas Fund: Hard-working family tries to stay one step ahead [Tulsa World, Okla.]

-- Brian Holt moved his family to Tulsa in February to take a position as a supervisor at a glass manufacturing plant.

A few months later, his wife Shannon was diagnosed with aggressive cervical cancer.

In late September, she and their oldest daughter travelled to Zion, Ill., so she could be evaluated at a cancer treatment center there -- Holt said that is the cancer center his insurance company contracts with because there is an on-site emergency room.

Instead, the doctors decided to begin treatment immediately.

"We've seen her once since she left in late September," he said. "She missed Halloween. She was able to make it back for Thanksgiving, but she's also going to miss Christmas."

Holt said that the best-case scenario is she's back at the first of the year.

She is undergoing chemotherapy, internal and external radiation and has five more surgeries scheduled.

It's costing his wife and daughter $1,000 a month to rent a hotel room while they're away. That's on top of the regular rent and bills for the family home in Tulsa.

Living with Holt are three daughters, three sons, two nieces, a soon-to-be daughter-in-law and a grandbaby.

Even though Holt makes good money and has insurance, the family is struggling.

"You can fall fast, even with a good job and insurance," he said. "I make plenty of money, it just seems that it all goes away. Money is pretty tight."

Financial difficulties aside, Shannon Holt's being away for so long has been hard on the family.

"We miss her a lot," said their daughter Kayla, 14. "I used to only hang out with my mom and older sister and they're both gone. We didn't know it was going to be like this. It makes me feel sad."

Shannon spent her time raising the kids and taking care of the house.

"Now that all falls on us," Holt said. "It's a struggle, no doubt. I work 12-hour shifts, so each day it's about 16 to 17 hours with meetings and the hour drive to and from work."

To make matters worse, Holt has one broken-down car and one he hopes won't break down.

"We'll figure it out eventually," he said. "On off days I try to fix the other car before this one breaks down. I'm trying to stay a step ahead."

He also cooks to give his older boys a break and does the grocery shopping when he's off.

The family has decided to push back their Christmas celebration until Shannon Holt comes home.

"It's still going to be weird," Kayla said. "We're not going to spend the real Christmas with Mom. The Christmas tree is going to be taunting us."

Kayla said she's been impressed with the way people have stepped up and helped the family during this rough patch.

"People have brought us food and prayed for us. It's really nice that people are trying to help us out," she said.

Holt said that the help he's received from the Salvation Army has been incredible.

"I never expected anything because I make really decent money and have insurance. But we've had to pay for everything up-front till we meet the deductible, and there's her food and hotel room. It would be nice if I could be there instead of my daughter, but I can't."

However, Holt said he's still trying to remain positive.

"I figure we'll struggle for a year until we're back on our feet," he said. "I hope she gets back healthy and there are no more problems."

About the Neediest Families Fund Drive

The Neediest Families Fund Drive was established in 1928 to help Tulsa's poorest families find some peace and comfort for the holidays and the coming year.

This year's goal is to raise $300,000 by Christmas Eve.

In 2010, the fund collected $339,277.

Each Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday through the holiday season, the Tulsa World will spotlight families chosen by The Salvation Army to receive assistance through this year's fund.

None of the money raised is used for administrative costs, and cash is not given directly to the families.

Instead, The Salvation Army issues vouchers for specific needs.

To help families such as the one featured today, send a check or money order to the Neediest Families Fund Drive, in care of the Tulsa World, P.O. Box 21920, Tulsa, OK 74121-1920.

Donations are tax-deductible, and donors can remain anonymous.

Mike Averill 918-581-8489

[email protected]

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(c)2011 Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.)

Visit Tulsa World (Tulsa, Okla.) at www.tulsaworld.com

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