A Generous City Responds to Selfless Twins

Originally Published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Christmas is over, but surprises continue to roll in for Patty and Prissy Moses, twin sisters who were featured in the AJC last month. Together they have fostered over 20 children and adopted three, including a special needs child.

Prissy Moses is nearly three years removed from having a series of strokes that left her unable to work. Readers were touched by the Moses’ heart-warming story and financial struggles and responded generously.

“I was deeply touched,” said Jeanne Moorman, 69, of Duluth. “I decided to donate because they remind me so much of my recently deceased husband’s family. His mother had foster children and went on to work with an agency that assisted special needs children.”

Moorman also wanted to help because of her views on health care. “Many people are one health crisis away from bankruptcy. Patty and Prissy are caring people who stepped up and helped. It’s heartbreaking to find them in financial straits when they have selflessly helped so many others.”

The Atlanta-based Kyle Pease Foundation, which focuses on providing assistance for people with disabilities through sports, also donated after reading about the Moses family.

“We really believe in inclusion and that’s at the core of what we do,” said Brent Pease, executive director of the Kyle Pease Foundation. “We were touched by their story and excited and honored to support them.”

The Moses sisters were surprised on Friday with a check — all from reader donations — that can cover their bills for two months. So stunned by the amount were the women that they broke into fits of giggles.

“Oh my gosh, the Lord has worked a miracle,” said Prissy as she hugged her sister’s arm.

The timing, they say, could not be better. The family is struggling financially. And Patty, who’s the caregiver for her sister and the children, now has a bad case of plaque psoriasis caused by stress. Her white blood cells are attacking her skin, resulting in painful, scaly rashes all over her body. Her hair is also falling out.

“There’s been a lot of stress lately and I really debated on sharing our story,” said Patty. “I was nervous about protecting the kids and about sharing so much personal information. We worried about being judged. We’re doing the best we can, and we would never want to be a burden on anyone.”

Dr. Tonya Williams, chief academic officer at the Leadership Preparatory Academy, a charter school in Stonecrest, GA, thinks the family is an inspiration.

“I was so moved by their story and it is one I want to share with my students,” said Williams.

Throughout February, the Leadership Preparatory Academy will be fundraising for the Moses family through school valentine and candy purchases. Williams vows to personally match the amount the school raises and hopes her Parent-Teacher Organization matches as well.

“This story so aligns with what we’re trying to teach our kids,” said Williams. “We’re trying to teach them love. We assume that kids know how to be loving and compassionate and we take for granted that all kids receive that.We must show them how to serve one another, remind them that they are global citizens and that our actions affect others.”

Patty and Prissy, who turn 53 on Jan. 27, are overwhelmed by the school’s gesture.

“It’s unbelievable that they care enough to put forth the effort to help our family,” said Patty. “All of the kindness people have shown us has renewed my faith in mankind. It’s a beautiful thing and we’re so grateful.”

About the Story

I fell hard for the Moses family. I loved writing about their family and I especially loved sponsoring them this Christmas. I purchased toys for their three children and was as excited for their boxes to arrive at my door as the surprises for my own kids. Ariah, their oldest, wanted an American Girl doll. I found one that looked similar to her, then added blue glasses and earrings like Ariah has and I also bought her a wheelchair. It was a precious doll and the happiness I got from shopping for it made me feel selfish. As the mom of all boys, none of whom like dolls, I don’t frequent American Girl. It was a fun switch. Buying for the youngest two was just as much fun - lots of soccer and Minnie Mouse stuff. Aside from the gifts, we also had donations come in to help the Moses sisters with food and gas. I was able to give them a very large Kroger gift card, as well as VISA, restaurant and movie theater gift cards - all on behalf of a generous community who donated to the Maximus Janton Foundation. The Moses sisters reported back later to share that their Christmas was phenomenal. Just days before they were down to a few chicken thighs in their refrigerator, unsure of how they’d afford their next trip to the grocery store, but then this gift came and changed so much. They had multiple trips’ worth of money to spend at the grocery store and they had enough gas money to drive home to Louisiana to spend Christmas with their mother, the kids’ grandmother.

This was enough to overwhelm the sisters, but so much more came. After their story ran in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, more donations were made, as well as an amazing offer from a local school. I think Patty said it best, that this experience has “restored her faith in mankind.” It never gets old to see a community rally for an amazing cause. The Moses family is imprinted on my heart and they’ve inspired me in so many ways. A special thank you to my dear friend, Monica Mangram, for introducing me to these special women.