Christmas is over, but surprises continue to roll in for Patty and Prissy Moses, twin sisters who were featured in the AJC last month. Together they have fostered over 20 children and adopted three, including a special needs child.
Prissy Moses is nearly three years removed from having a series of strokes that left her unable to work. Readers were touched by the Moses’ heart-warming story and financial struggles and responded generously.
“I was deeply touched,” said Jeanne Moorman, 69, of Duluth. “I decided to donate because they remind me so much of my recently deceased husband’s family. His mother had foster children and went on to work with an agency that assisted special needs children.”
Moorman also wanted to help because of her views on health care. “Many people are one health crisis away from bankruptcy. Patty and Prissy are caring people who stepped up and helped. It’s heartbreaking to find them in financial straits when they have selflessly helped so many others.”
>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Double the maternal love: Twin sisters stepped in to help family, then fostered many more children
The Atlanta-based Kyle Pease Foundation, which focuses on providing assistance for people with disabilities through sports, also donated after reading about the Moses family.
“We really believe in inclusion and that’s at the core of what we do,” said Brent Pease, executive director of the Kyle Pease Foundation. “We were touched by their story and excited and honored to support them.”
The Moses sisters were surprised on Friday with a check — all from reader donations — that can cover their bills for two months. So stunned by the amount were the women that they broke into fits of giggles.
“Oh my gosh, the Lord has worked a miracle,” said Prissy as she hugged her sister’s arm.
The timing, they say, could not be better. The family is struggling financially. And Patty, who’s the caregiver for her sister and the children, now has a bad case of plaque psoriasis caused by stress. Her white blood cells are attacking her skin, resulting in painful, scaly rashes all over her body. Her hair is also falling out.
“There’s been a lot of stress lately and I really debated on sharing our story,” said Patty. “I was nervous about protecting the kids and about sharing so much personal information. We worried about being judged. We’re doing the best we can, and we would never want to be a burden on anyone.”
Dr. Tonya Williams, chief academic officer at the Leadership Preparatory Academy, a charter school in Stonecrest, GA, thinks the family is an inspiration.
“I was so moved by their story and it is one I want to share with my students,” said Williams.
Throughout February, the Leadership Preparatory Academy will be fundraising for the Moses family through school valentine and candy purchases. Williams vows to personally match the amount the school raises and hopes her Parent-Teacher Organization matches as well.
“This story so aligns with what we’re trying to teach our kids,” said Williams. “We’re trying to teach them love. We assume that kids know how to be loving and compassionate and we take for granted that all kids receive that.We must show them how to serve one another, remind them that they are global citizens and that our actions affect others.”
Patty and Prissy, who turn 53 on Jan. 27, are overwhelmed by the school’s gesture.
“It’s unbelievable that they care enough to put forth the effort to help our family,” said Patty. “All of the kindness people have shown us has renewed my faith in mankind. It’s a beautiful thing and we’re so grateful.”
If you would like to make a donation to the Moses family, click "Donate" at www.maximusjantonfoundation.org and type "Moses" in the additional information box. The family will receive 100% of the donations.
If you would like to learn more about fostering in Georgia, please visit www.dfcs.georgia.gov
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