OAKHURST — The nonprofit organization Helping One Woman (HOW) will gather friends and neighbors to honor Yvonne Boiteux at The Hitching Post in Ahwahnee, starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019.
Yvonne, 32, has lived in North Fork since 1991, graduating from Sierra High School and working at Starbucks for many years. Currently, she works at The Forks and loves it there. She also loves anything to do with the outdoors, including hiking and kayaking. These activities and others have been difficult to enjoy for the last five years, say HOW organizers, because Yvonne has been battling a painful and life-altering disease which was misdiagnosed for most of that time.
Recently, she received the correct diagnosis: microscopic collagenous colitis, in which a thick layer of protein (collagen) develops in colon tissue, causing inflammation of the large intestine and a host of other problems.
“It is an embarrassing and painful disease that significantly impacts her quality of life,” HOW reports. “The medications she was given have caused other health complications, including unwanted weight loss and malnutrition. Her biggest financial hardship has been huge dental bills.”
Crohn’s and colitis patients may have difficulty maintaining healthy nutrition due to intestinal inflammation, disease-related complications, and use of certain medications, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
“That has been Yvonne’s experience. She has lost five teeth in the last couple of years, and has had to have extensive dental restoration done on all the rest.”
Now, the community is invited to unite in support of Yvonne at The Hitching Post on Feb. 20. Please RSVP to Tokens at (559) 658-5428 with the number in your party, or if you have any contributions or questions. P
HOW meets monthly to celebrate one deserving woman who receives the community’s support when she needs it the most. Those participating in the HOW benefit will offer $10 or more as a suggested donation for Yvonne and pay for their own dinner. Proceeds from the February event go directly to Yvonne at the end of the evening.
Recipients of HOW are always a woman who is going through a time of irreplaceable loss or who has been through a period of loss within the last 12 months. Irreplaceable loss is defined as a catastrophic loss which cannot be recovered.
HOW says that “one woman with $10 can buy another woman lunch. Ten women giving $10 can buy another woman’s groceries. One hundred women giving $10 can really make a difference in another woman’s life.”
If you know a woman who is going through a time of irreplaceable loss, come to the February HOW meeting and nominate her to be the next recipient. Recipients are chosen in a public drawing.
“Remember that by helping one woman, we help one family and one community.”
Update on January dinner for Tina Sexton
“HOW Oakhurst held a very successful event honoring January recipient, Tina Sexton,” say organizers. “We had a packed house and tons of prizes! Thank you again to all who attended, donated and participated. From our amazing sponsors to Brian our caricature artist, even Tom Wheeler who emceed our live auction. We could not host these amazing events without the support of our community. Sending much love to Tina and her family.”
Contact howoakhurstchapter@gmail.com
