Pair’s request fulfilled

Ask and you shall receive.

Isabel Maria Bermeo, 14, and her mother had the opportunity to meet privately with President George W. Bush during his visit to Spokane on June 17.

Bush was in Spokane for a fund-raiser for Rep. George Nethercutt’s Senate campaign.

During their 15-minute meeting, Isabel gave the president a letter she wrote asking for his help. Bush promised her that he would read her letter.

She asked for his help in obtaining a Social Security number. Two weeks later her request was answered; she got her number.

Isabel and her mother have lived at the Ronald McDonald House since October, where Isabel, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, is waiting for a lung transplant. She has been on a waiting list for the transplant, which will take place in Seattle, since April 7.

State Medicaid will pay for Isabel’s lung transplant, but without a Social Security number she and her mother weren’t able to receive benefits for food and housing.

Isabel was born in San Diego but taken to Ecuador before being properly registered, leaving her with only a visa.

Now that she has a Social Security number, she and her mother are able to move into an apartment of their own in Browne’s Addition. But they have nothing — no beds, bedding, furniture, pots, pans, dishes or towels. They are in need of everything to set up their new home.

If you can help them, please call Kathie Vlahovich at the Ronald McDonald House, 624-0500.

Anything you can offer will be greatly appreciated.