You might be able to simply replace your whole crankset for less than $50 to get lower gears. Google "suntour 42-32-22 crankset" and ask in the mechanics forum (or bike shop) if that's a straight swap with your existing crank. That 22 tooth chainring will give you very low gears.

And don't be afraid to just stop on a hill to take a break. After a while won't need to and you'll look back and chuckle that you had to take those breaks.