Mrs. Pastore was struck by a car and suffered a fractured left ankle and had to undergo several ankle surgeries, and while she was recovering, she over-compensated on her right side. This resulted in pain in both her right knee and ankle and she had to undergo a right knee replacement. Being a traditional Italian woman, she took great pride in her home and her matriarchal role in keeping the family together. She not only held a job, but also tended to her disabled husband. Following the accident, she could not work, look after her home or care for herself.