NJ-2026-0034: Grandmother with lupus and brain aneurysms raising two granddaughters after years of homelessness

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A 60-year-old grandmother is raising her two granddaughters, ages 16 and 13, whose mother passed away in 2015. She lives with lupus (SLE) and has a history of brain aneurysms: she had surgery in 2012 for one, and in 2024 doctors found two more developing. In September 2025 she had spine surgery for a pinched nerve that left her left arm and hand numb, and on July 21 of this year she had surgery on her SI joint. The family has been homeless for a few years. They are now living in a transitional house through a program that gives them 18 months to find permanent housing, and they are excited to finally have a path to a home of their own. Her older granddaughter, whose favorite color is pink, has lost a lot of weight and needs more clothes. Her younger granddaughter, whose favorite color is blue, loves skateboarding. Grandma's favorite colors are purple and blue; purple stands for royalty and for the purple butterfly of lupus. Her only wish is to see the girls happy.

CITY: Long Branch, NJ 07740
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: MONMOUTH
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 3
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN HOUSEHOLD: Neurological condition, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, essential tremor, epilepsy or seizure disorder; immune system or autoimmune disorder, including lupus or rheumatoid arthritis; bone, joint or muscle condition, including arthritis or muscular dystrophy; brain aneurysms
HOW THE FAMILY CAN RECEIVE GIFTS: No preference

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 60
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's M
Shoe Size: Women's 6.5
Wishlist: Gift cards for food shopping

CHILD #1:
Age: 16
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's M
Shoe Size: Women's 7.5
Wishlist: Clothes (medium tops and bottoms, she loves pink), gift cards

CHILD #2:
Age: 13
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's L
Shoe Size: Women's 7.5
Wishlist: A brand-new, really good skateboard (she loves blue)