TEMPLE, TX — In times of desperate need, it's so important to give back to others.
For one Temple woman diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease, contracting COVID19 could be deadly. However, thanks to hidden heroes in the community, she's able to stay safe and get the things she needs.
Forty-year-old Allison Dickson isn't supposed to be here. At just 15-months-old, she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Doctors said she wouldn't make it past three-years-old.
"The doctors were wrong. I've lived a very full and fulfilling life with many years to come," Dickson said.
But she has spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital, putting her at high risk for contracting COVID19.
"With my preexisting medical issues, particularly with my respiratory system, getting the virus would be a very, very dangerous situation for me," she said.
That situation could possibly deadly.
Dickson hasn't left her house since Texas shut down in March. That made it even more difficult to get things she needed from the store.
"Clorox wipes, gloves for my nurses, distilled water, hand sanitizer," Dickson listed. All things that keep her environment safe.
Using the power of social media, Dickson took to Facebook to ask for help.
"Within two to three hours of posting on Facebook, I had people messaging me, texting me," she said.
One of those people was Laura Palmer, who also helped to spread the word in the community.
"There was one guy that commented on the Facebook post that I had posted who reached out and wanted to help. He actually got some things, brought them over to my house and dropped them off on my front porch, and he doesn't even know Allison," Palmer said.
She collected items from the community and left it at Dickson's front door.
"I know how important it is to keep her healthy. Something that may not impact me at all would put her in the hospital," she said.
Palmer said it's the small things that can make the world of difference.
"It's important to help everyone when we can. There's so many different people out there that need our help, and if we are able to do these things, why wouldn't we?" she said.
Especially when they need it the most.
