"I love to take care of people to listen to people, says Carlini, gazing around her home from her wheelchair. I never thought I would be in this position. After dealing with severe leg problems and pain for five years and undergoing four failed surgeries to try and correct the situation Carlini had her left leg amputated in late 2024. The pain was gone, she remarks from the home she shares with two dogs, two birds and son Matteo."
"Losing her leg, however, changed pretty much every aspect of her life and threatened the independence that she had long enjoyed. Now, seemingly simple things such as changing an overhead light bulb were tasks that required the assistance of others. The help I would give others, now I have to take, she says. Fortunately, Carlini has been able to receive such assistance from Heart of the Valley, a Santa Clara-based nonprofit that supports independent living for seniors in West Santa Clara Valley."
"Founder Austin Warburton soon realized, however, that there was more work to be done and came up with a plan to provide volunteer services to low-income seniors throughout West Santa Clara Valley. Incorporated in 1987, Heart of the Valley now provides transportation, handyman services, yardwork, tech support and other services ranging from housework to companionship to more than 250 seniors (age 62 and up)."
Marisa Carlini, a lifelong nurse and caregiver, underwent her left leg amputation in late 2024 after five years of severe leg problems and four failed surgeries. The amputation relieved chronic pain but drastically reduced her independence and made everyday tasks difficult. Heart of the Valley, a Santa Clara nonprofit founded from mid-1980s housing efforts and incorporated in 1987, provides volunteer services enabling independent living. The organization offers transportation, handyman work, yardwork, tech support, housework and companionship to more than 250 seniors age 62 and up, serving Santa Clara and nearby communities such as San Jose and Sunnyvale.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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