Tom and Mary are both in declining health due to living so far away from Specialists.  They ended up in Van Horn after leaving a human trafficking situation, and came to do a farm stay that didn't work out.  They are currently camp hosts at a campground s20 miles south of this tiny town.

Mary has several disorders and illnesses having to do with her hypothyroidism and past stomach surgery.  She is on disability and receives a small check that they live off of.  Tom has a serious back injury and other spinal disorders requiring surgical intervention, plus some mental health issues needing deeper treatment than whats available locally.  The problem is, Van Horn is over 100 miles one way from El Paso, where all of the specialists are.  Tom's spine doctor, for instance, is 150 miles one way.  Mary has medical transportation through her insurance, but it's very unreliable and she's had to cancel many appointments at the last minute because the ride never showed.  Tom doesn't have medical transportation covered.  A single trip to El Paso wipes out their gas budget for the month, meaning they can't get to their local appointments, to the grocery store, or even to the local shelter where they get a shower.

They are planning to move to Del Rio, to be closer to some family and most of their much-needed services.  A move to Del Rio is a much healthier situation than staying where they are.  Where they are now, showers are limited to when they go to town to save precious water in the outdoor shower, and now that it's winter, there is no hot water for a shower.  Despite their best efforts, the mice are eating a bit of their food stores, and the refrigerator is either too cold or too warm to trust for fresh food options.  They are limited to canned goods.  They do get food stamps, so food isn't the issue.  Storage is. 

By moving to Del Rio, they can get into an apartment or house faster, and be within 10 miles of the most needed services and family who is already there.

Every little bit helps, whether it's $5 or $100.  They have raised $370 on another platform so far as of 11/24/23.

They are givers to the community.  Mary has been involved in antique clubs, tractor pulling clubs and even the Lions Club at one point.  Tom has many years experience as a volunteer firefighter.  When they are in better health, they will be giving back to the community again.  Tom also plans to start a lawn care business or go back to school to get his paralegal certification to help low income people have better access to our legal system.

None of this can happen where they are now due to lack of access to anything but the very basic of resources.  There's just one doctor and one therapist in Van Horn.  They are more isolated now that they ever have been.