Friends are rallying for Lisa Barton, whom many in Boundary County might know for her bright smile, warm welcome and helping hand in her many years working at the Bonners Ferry Safeway. Due to serious medical problems, Lisa has been unable to work for quite some time, and she’s struggling to keep up with her bills, and the expenses of her treatment and recovery.
After a lifetime of going out of her way to help others while maintaining a fierce independence, Lisa now needs the support of her community, and it’s been hard, nearly impossible, for to impose on the kindness of others. So her friends, neighbors and coworkers are rallying around her and reaching out on her behalf.
Co-worker Maygen Reid reached out to 9B.News publisher Katie Banning asking help getting the word out about the GoFundMe account established by Lora Nagel.
“Lisa Barton, my neighbor and friend, has always been the kind of person who looks out for others,” Lora wrote. “When my family moved to this community, she was the first to welcome us, always stopping to chat when she walked her beloved dog, Otis. Her kindness and warmth made us feel at home right away.”
This fundraiser is to help Lisa cover her rent, pay her bills, and provide anything she needs to make this difficult time as comfortable as possible. If you are able to donate or share this fundraiser, it would mean the world to Lisa.
Every bit of support, no matter how small, will help ease her burden and show her that she is not alone. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Maygen agrees.
“I guess if you want to just say what was written in there to go along with it,” she said. “It pretty much says what I wanted to say. Other than that miss Lisa is a spit fire of a damn good lady that I would tell everyone I’m proud to be her friend. And I really just want to see her be able to stay at home for a while and not have to stress about the life things and focus on getting better so she can come back to work because we all miss her there!”
Many readers might remember Maygen, whose life changed forever last April 14, when she lost the man she loved, Robert “Bob” Allen Copeland, in a horrific wreck on Highway 95 in which her son, Bob’s best friend, compadre and helper Isaiah, then 13, was seriously injured.
In her call with Katie, she made no mention of that awful day or of the challenges she and her son have had to contend with since, until Katie, a true empath, paused and asked softly, “how are you?”
Helpless to be anything but honest, Maygen admitted she and Isaiah are struggling. In addition to the grief and emotional trauma, Isaiah is still being treated for his injuries, in Boise. He still has at least four surgeries, each requiring time off from work, the cost of travel and lodging. expenses they can little afford.
Still, Maygen asked no help for herself, asking only that her community please think of Lisa, that her community show her friend the love and generosity showed her.
We at 9B.News think the community’s love and generosity is great enough to help ease the burdens borne by both women.
To contribute to Lisa, visit “Support for Lisa Barton’s Recovery” on GoFundMe.
To help Maygen and Isaiah, visit “Support Isaiah’s Surgeries After Tragic Accident.”