New Bedford Woman's Back Surgery Causes Financial Crisis

Lea Pabon was volunteering so much at Our Sisters' School in New Bedford that the Head of the School decided to hire her. "She was always here, so we decided she should start getting a paycheck."

That was three years ago. Since, Pabon has fallen in love with the community at Our Sisters' School and the feeling is mutual. When she hurt her back in September, she popped two discs and urgently required surgery. Anyone who has had back surgery knows the struggle. It is not an easy recovery and it hasn't been one for Lea.

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She was unable to work, and quickly felt the loss of income. "They came and repossessed my car," said Pabon. The fact is there are many, many people on the SouthCoast that are living paycheck to paycheck. They are only a few missing paychecks away from a financial crisis.

Sarah Herman, the Head of School for Our Sisters' School, couldn't been more complimentary about Pabon. "She has been through such a hard time this past year, but you would never know it. She brings nothing but positivity to those around her. I am so thankful that Fun 107 selected her for Holiday Wish Week. She is so deserving."

We are trying to save Christmas for her 5-year-old son, Emmanuel and her 13-year-old daughter, Tianna (who is an OSS student).

Emmanuel is described by Lea as a boy who loves to get dirty, playing in the mud outside. He loves trucks and construction. Emmanuel is a size 6T and a size 1 shoe. Tianna loves all things Hello Kitty and wears a medium adult top and size 10 jeans. Tianna's wears a size 8 shoe.

Pabon is looking forward to returning to Our Sisters' School and resuming her job after the holidays.