Andrea, a 20-year veteran of the floor covering industry, began working for a flooring manufacturer as a cone sorter at the age of 15. Several years later, she expanded her skill set and earned an Associate of Business Administration degree from Floyd College in Rome, GA. She had several positions over the years in various accounting and payroll departments. Her last position was in waste management and cost accounting.
Unfortunately, in December of 2016, Andrea was diagnosed with multiple illnesses including an immune disorder that left her susceptible to infections and Postherpetic Neuralgia, which affects nerve fibers and causes pain and numbness. Her health obstacles became more than she could overcome and rendered her disabled and unable to work.
Because of her loss of income, medical bills and everyday expenses started to pile up. This caused her financial stress, but luckily a home healthcare nurse connected her with the Floor Covering Industry Foundation. The Foundation was able to help with her medical bills and rent payments. Andrea shared, “The grant has been an answered prayer. It helped me buy my prescriptions, make my trips to the doctor, and have my infusions every two weeks.”