RALEIGH — A woman who has dedicated her life to helping others now needs help paying major medical bills.

Every step Tom Helmlinger takes is a difficult one -- both literally and figuratively. He fell off a ladder December 27 breaking both legs and one arm. He has thousands of dollars in medical bills that he cannot pay. It is not the first time Tom and his wife, Carol, have faced adversity.

"It was this December as a matter of fact 10 years ago, that we lost our 19-year-old son to suicide," Carol says.

When her son, Richie, died, it became Carol's mission to help other families deal with suicide. Two years ago, she started a statewide support group, creating awareness of the issue by putting victims' pictures on a quilt.

The woman, who has helped so many others regain life after death, now needs help to keep her family afloat.

"It's much easier to be a giver. It's very, very humbling to have to accept help," she says.

If you would like to make a donation, you can send it to:The Helmlinger Relief FundFirst Citizens Bank239 Fayetteville Street MallRaleigh, NC 27601.

Supporters from across the country have started an e-mail campaign to solicit help for Carol and her husband.