Story Published: Jun 30, 2009 at 9:04 PM PST
Story Updated: Jul 1, 2009 at 7:34 AM PST
It's never boring at the Lee house. But that's to be expected with nine kids - eight of them 8-years-old or younger.
But the family's 11-year-old GMC Suburban sits broken down in front of the house, and the family, which has no work income, can no longer afford to fix the car, and can't buy a new one.
"Financially, it's not possible for us to afford it,” said Anna Lee. “My 19-year-old son is on Social Security, and that's pretty much the only income that we have. My husband Mike is waiting for his Social Security. He has respiratory diseases."
Anna Lee says lately they've used Prairie Transit Service but says that hasn't been reliable.
For the oldest, Robert, and the rest - Cheyenne, Dakota, Jamie, Stephanie, Emily, Madeline, and Hailey, it's an inconvenience. But for 8-year-old Kendall, being stranded in Winchester could be a hazard to his health.
The 8-year-old was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, similar to muscular dystrophy.
"It's starting to make his spine curve,” says Anna. “And his hands curl up like a claw. So when he pays T-ball, he can't play very long. It hurts his legs and his arms."
The Lees say all they need is a van, so Kendall can make his appointments at the Shriners Hospital in Spokane, and to see a Seattle Children's Hospital neurologist.
Anna says they've tried 30 churches, car dealerships, and have even written a letter to the Ellen Degeneres Show. She said there have been no responses.
And she says she is trying to avoid a tabloid stereotype.
“I'm not Octomom by any means, but I love my children, and I would really like to see them be able to get back and forth to their appointments. Especially Kendall, with his disease that he has."
"All we're asking is that somebody is willing to donate a vehicle for us so that we can get back and forth to doctors, to grocery stores, and get back and forth to Lewiston,” said Mike Lee. “That's all we need."
The Lees are looking for a twelve passenger van. If you would like to help the family out, you can call them at 208-790-6604.
