*Joseph Wallace was referred to Journey of Hope when he received the devastating diagnosis of laryngeal cancer. His team of surgeons removed his thyroid and performed a laryngectomy, followed by reconstructive surgery and a tracheotomy. Throughout this ordeal, Joseph was experiencing great financial stress. At the time of his application to Journey of Hope, he was unemployed, uninsured and waiting for approval from Social Security. Essential medications, referred to as breathers, were extremely expensive and without funds he was unable to purchase them. To further complicate matters, he was being evicted from his apartment and forced to move. Journey of Hope worked with him, his social worker and a local apartment developer to locate housing and made arrangements to pay the security deposit immediately. This made it possible for Joseph to concentrate on his health without the added concern of where he was going to live. In collaboration with the landlord, who agreed to lower the monthly rent to make it more affordable, Joseph made the move to his new apartment.
Joseph states: “I understand that it is not easy deciding who really needs help and I am the first to admit that I am one of the lucky ones. The right name for this organization, Journey of Hope was chosen, because that is what it becomes when one finds out they have cancer.” Today Joseph continues to make progress toward a return to good health.
*Printed with permission of the patient
“You should be very proud of the work you do to reduce the disparities of those battling cancer. If we could change the death rates for all cancers to those of the white, college educated, we would reduce the death by cancer in the United States by 50 percent. Your support provides hope and the basic needs so the patient can focus on the battle in front of them.”
~Dr. Derek Raghavan, Chairman
Cleveland Clinic
Taussig Cancer Institute
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This has been the worst year of my life. You’ve surely brightened dark days with your financial support. I just want you to know I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I can finally help those that have taken care of me.”
~ Carol
a breast cancer patient who received financial assistance from JOH
“Journey of Hope helps bridge the gap until patients can secure more permanent benefits, such as Social Security and Medicaid. Through the help of Journey of Hope we are better able to treat the whole patient and provide the best overall outcome through assisting with basic financial needs.”
~ MetroHealth Medical Center, Cancer Care Center