Fundraiser launched to help 82-year-old twins living in van

Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Fundraiser to help 82-year-old twins living in van in Sonoma Co.
A Sonoma County realtor has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help twin 82-year-old sisters who are living in a white conversion van.

SANTA ROSA, Calif. -- What would you do if you knew a couple of 82-year-old women who were living out of a converted van? A Sonoma County businesswoman has decided she wants to help two sisters find a home.

We were introduced to the twins on Tuesday afternoon. The two have spent their lives taking care of people, so now a local Bay Area woman has decided to help them out.

Twin sisters Sandra and Tanya Hill have each lived almost unbelievable lives.

"I wrote a book on learning disabilities about my problems and now it's all over the world," said Sandra. "One of my patients just handed me $25,000 to write this book."

Tanya adds, "Agnes Moorehead, I met her at a play. She saw me and wanted me to be with her for the rest of her life."

Moorehead was famous for playing Endora in the TV show "Bewitched." Tanya says she was the actress' personal nurse until she died of cancer.

These twin sisters were re-united about three months ago under difficult circumstances.

"She was with our relatives and they treated her badly," said Sandra. "And her landlady called and said Tanya was in very bad shape."

Tanya recently suffered a brain injury. So her sister brought her to Sonoma County to live.

At 82 years old, they share a white conversion van.

The space is cramped. So a friend, a local real estate broker, is determined to find them a home.

"They bring in enough to pay rent, food, and utilities," said Sue Carrell. "But they don't bring in enough to quality for a rental."

Sonoma County businesswoman has volunteered to co-sign a lease for them and has launched a GoFundMe page to help with deposits and move in costs. On the page, Carrell says the two are, "the most talented women I have met in a long time. However, they have been victims of fraud on the internet and by members of their own family."

Sergio: "I would imagine that it would be even nicer to have a bed to sleep in."

Sandra: "Oh, definitely. That's our goal!"

It's a modest goal they hope to achieve.

Click here if you'd like to make a contribution to the GoFundMe fundraiser.