Holiday Wish: New Bedford Mother Recovering from Heart Surgery

Lavolta Depina is a 35-year-old single mom from New Bedford who is currently struggling with health issues.

Lavolta has always been a hard worker and is devoted to her family. She has one biological daughter and has taken custody of four of her nieces and nephews. All of the children are nine years old and younger. She took the kids in without thinking twice. She transported the children back and forth to activities such as gymnastics, counseling sessions, and attended in-home therapy sessions for the children.

About a year ago, she lost housing due to circumstances that were out of her control. Three of the children were released from her, which made things a little easier, but she was left homeless with her daughter and nephew.

Although she was living out of bags and boxes, she still managed to keep a great spirit.

Recently she suffered from an aortic dissection which was problematic in more ways than one. The doctors put her in a medically-induced coma while waiting for the swelling in her chest to go down.

While she should be trying to relax and take care of herself, all she can do is stress about finding a job and how her children will be cared for. She has always been willing to help others, but in her time of need, few are coming to help her.

This Christmas alone will be hard for Lavolta as she is currently dealing with a rough financial state and worrying about feeding her children.

Text to Donate: Text WISHES to 313131. You will be sent a United Way e-link that allows you to make a donation via credit card to this family when you select the day and date of which family you wish to help from the drop-down menu.

By Check: Make checks payable to the United Way of Greater New Bedford and in the memo line, write HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help. Checks can be dropped off at Fun 107 studios during normal business hours or mailed to United Way of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union Street, Suite 105, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Donate by Credit Card: You can make a secure donation to the United Way via credit card HERE. Select the day and date of the family you wish to help from the "Please Select a Family" drop-down menu.

Donations of Gift Cards can be dropped off at Fun 107. Please leave a note saying the card is for HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help, along with your name.

All of our families are pre-selected through the United Way of Greater New Bedford. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the United Way directly.