Liz Brandt is a retired nurse who still knows her way around the healthcare system — this time, she’s a patient. She’s also the busy guardian of her three grandchildren, who have been with her for almost 10 years. Amari, who’s 17; Artiese, who’s 15; and 14-year-old Anya are in their most active years — not ideal for Grandma Liz, who struggles with mobility, not to mention expenses. But she feels blessed to have them. Her grandkids, and every day she gets to spend with them, are a gift from God, so she just rolls with it.

A very full house

Liz loved being a nurse; it brought her real joy. Rheumatoid arthritis robbed her of that joy in 2010, along with so many capabilities, not to mention the means to support herself. She was misdiagnosed at first, a misstep that resulted in an infection that nearly cost Liz her life. Fortunately for Amari, Artiese, and Anya, Liz survived, and they came to live with her in 2014. Fortunately for Liz, too, as she needed some fresh joy. As you can imagine, it’s a full house. Not as full as when they were all in Liz’s one-bedroom apartment, but full nonetheless.

That was a long eight months, the time in the tiny apartment. It was enough to test the limits of any family, let alone one who had been through as many changes as this group. They’re thankful for the housing assistance that allowed them to move into this three-bedroom duplex in a safer neighborhood, and the community resources that make obtaining the necessities a little easier. They’re also thankful for the food from local nonprofits and generous family and friends that make it easier to get through the month, though they’re always hungry for 10 days or so as the supply dwindles. The kids would love to have friends over, but one more place at the table is a luxury that Liz just can’t afford. Her budget is stretched so thin that one extra bill or purchase for the kids (it’s not their fault, they’re always growing out of something) can send the family finances into a tailspin.

Love is free

Ah, the kids: They accept, and understand, and don’t ask for much, but Liz always wishes she could do more. Amari started driving, but car insurance for a teenage boy is costly, so he’s pitching in to pay for it, and Liz wishes braces hadn’t been his only back-to-school item (insurance didn’t cover them, so she had to prioritize). Artiese, who has a disorder that requires treatment, is on a new plan that's really helping stabilize him, helping him feel better and making for a much more comfortable home life. Even with help for his meds, he has to make it to appointments, and sometimes there isn’t enough gas in the car so they have to miss. Anya makes every effort to fit in, but being 14 is hard enough without being able to go the places your friends go, or even have a dress for homecoming. Holidays, as you can imagine, present a whole new set of challenges. Liz tried to work last year to help bridge the gap in the budget, but her body just wouldn’t take it. She may not have any money, but love is free, and she has more than enough for her family — ask anyone who knows her!

A magical holiday

Rhonda Mattingly, Executive Director of Bridges to Hope and Liz’s former neighbor, shared the following with UBT: “I've known Liz for 34 years! As a nurse, she helped deliver my youngest child, and she has been there for me in the best of times and in the worst of times. With her arthritis, she struggles to take care of herself, let alone her three teenage grandchildren. I just really want to see them have a magical holiday this year.”

UBT and the Magic Moments team, together with our amazing partners, set out to show this dedicated retired nurse and her family some holiday love, starting with all the frozen meat we could fit in their freezer! (Thanks, Smart Chicken and Del Gould!) Gift cards for grocers and local restaurants will help with the hunger pangs, and gas cards will guard against missed appointments. Scheels has generously pitched in to outfit the crew in new sweats and shoes, the family will be enjoying the Magical Lights of Lincoln this Christmas and the Harlem Globetrotters in January, and Liz will be treated to some much-needed pampering plus a much-deserved night out with a friend. Unique gifts were selected for each member of this game-and-movie-loving family — one Magic Moments team member’s daughter even donated her very gently used Xbox S!

Liz and family, may you enjoy many wonderful moments together and enjoy the magic of the season. Have a happy holiday, Leibhart family.

2024 update from the UBT Magic Moments team

After learning about Liz and her family, Lincoln Orthodontics reached out to brighten Amari’s smile (and lighten Liz’s financial load) by giving Amari braces! Dr. Emily Willett loves having Amari in the office and couldn’t be happier to help make his dreams come true. She says seeing that brilliant smile is true magic. Thanks, Lincoln Orthodontics, for stepping in to help this fine family!