A Washington grandmother who has delivered newspapers across Thurston County for three decades is asking for help after a heart condition forced her to take a break from work.
Karin Baldwin, who turns 84 on 7 November, drives about 90 miles each day on her delivery route through Olympia, Lacey and surrounding areas. She delivers around 200 papers during the week and as many as 400 on Saturdays and Sundays.
But Baldwin has been told she has two blocked arteries and needs a major heart procedure. Doctors are still assessing whether it can be carried out through her leg or whether she will need open-heart surgery.
Fundraiser launched for Karin Baldwin’s recovery
Her granddaughter, Katey Laudermilk, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help cover household bills, food, petrol and medical costs not covered by insurance while Baldwin is unable to work.
The fundraiser, which has a target of $5,000, said Baldwin could face about six weeks away from work if the less invasive procedure is possible. Recovery could last six months if open-heart surgery is required.
Laudermilk said her grandmother had spent her life caring for others. Baldwin raised three children, helped raise younger members of her family and continues to support the next generation.
“It would be such a relief to let her just relax and rest, and not have the worry of the next power bill and grocery bill and her gas tank bill, too,” Laudermilk told FOX 13 Seattle.
Baldwin has continued delivering newspapers despite her age, relying on the income to meet her everyday expenses. Her family said she was not accustomed to asking for assistance, which prompted Laudermilk to organise the appeal.
The fundraiser describes Baldwin as fiercely independent and says she is now facing a period away from the job she loves as she prepares for treatment and recovery.
Asked what support from the community would mean, Baldwin said: “Help, it would be wonderful.”
As of Wednesday, the appeal had raised $400 from three donations towards its $5,000 goal.
