CLEARLAKE OAKS ? A father who has made his life”s purpose the caring of his invalid son is facing detrimental ends at the mercy of the healthcare system. Bill Conway, 61, is reaching out to the community for help in order to continue to see to his son”s medical needs and retain the home they share in Clearlake Oaks.
Conway”s son Joshua, 23, has been fully disabled since birth. Conway has dedicated his life to caring for his son, supporting his family on Social Security Insurance (SSI) and In-Home Support Services (IHSS) income. On June 22, an unexpected illness forced Joshua Conway into the hospital. Since his son was admitted to the hospital, financial income has ceased yet the bills have not and now the Conways fear losing their home.
“Josh”s SSI and my IHSS are dependent upon Josh being in the home. With him having to stay in the hospital since June 22, it is literally jeopardizing Joshua”s ability to return home after he gets better,” Conway said. “The only time he”s ever had to go to the hospital in the past was for surgeries. This is the first time he”s had to go in because of an illness, which was caused by exposure to a sick care provider.”
Conway continued, “This has turned our lives upside down. Joshua has had a happy, healthy home environment and this has devastated our lives, possibly beyond repair.”
Conway grew up in Lake County living with his grandparents.
At one point he attended Lower Lake High School and after graduating in Southern California he enlisted in the Army. He served his country during the Vietnam Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1969 at which time he returned to Lake County. He said he made many friends during his 12-year employment with the County of Lake Surveyors Office and another 12 years with Jones Intercable. Throughout that time he spent much of his energy contributing to efforts and organizations of the community, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics and youth football.
“In 1988 I took full custody of my son and ever since then it”s just been Josh and I. Since taking custody over Josh I”ve lost contact with a lot of people. I probably could have organized a benefit myself but I have no energy,” he said. “The only energy I have is to get Josh better and get him home. He is my life. He is my whole reason for being. I don”t know what I”d do without him.”
Conway said that the lack of options presented has him frightened. “Right now it scares me. The situation we”re in, it seems that all the doors that should be open to families are closed,” he said. “The programs that used to be able to help with families in these situations are no longer in existence.”
Conway said it was suggested to him that he move. However, moving isn”t viable option. “Moving isn”t really an easy option due to all the special equipment that has been installed in our house to meet Joshua”s needs,” he said. “And, right now I actually owe IHSS for the time he”s been in the hospital even though I”ve been right there with him helping the nurses care for him.”
Conway said he”s been forced to live in his car during his visits to San Leandro where his son is under the care of Kindred Hospital. “He can”t communicate so I really need to be there to tell the nurses what he needs,” he said.
Longtime friend, local pastor and youth advocate Gary Logoteta has stepped forward to help the Conways through this trying time. “I”m finding a lot of support from Gary. He has just been a Godsend,” Conway said. “He”s started a fund for Joshua to help pay the bills so we can come back to our house. I never imagined he would have been able to generate so much love and understanding (from the community and church).”
An account has been established at Bank of the West in Joshua Conway”s name. Reference account No. 166219691 to make a donation. Contributions can also be made at WestAmerica Bank by referencing the account of William Conway for Joshua Conway.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
