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Some of the people Journey of Hope has helped…
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This 32-year-old woman was diagnosed in June, 2003. Her social worker from the Cleveland Clinic wrote, "-------- is a young, single mom of two young children who is battling breast cancer. She had some stress as she tried to endure six months of chemo. She had had several chemo treatments when she bought a used "beater" car so that she could get to chemo. The day she bought her car, it was stolen. It was found by the police but needed some repairs. This patient, who had always been self-sufficient, had to pay these expenses. She has a limited support system and during the summer she had to pay a sitter for her 5- and 7-year old children. The 5-year-old is a special-needs child. Paying a sitter was an unexpected expense. This patient has fallen behind in her electric bill. It was to be cut off but she got a medical extension. The patient hoped that if her electric bill could be taken care of, she would manage through the rest of her treatments. Her mother had breast cancer at 39 and died at 44. She has a grandma who is elderly, but can only provide support emotionally, not financially. This woman is determined, compliant with treatments and truly a fighter."
This 56-year-old, woman was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last May. She was referred by a Cleveland Clinic social worker who wrote, "This patient was working full-time as a transcriptionist in Radiology at Aultman Hospital and attending Stark State School of Massotherapy when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She applied for Social Security Disability and just began receiving payments. Her family has been helping her with her medical and household bills for some time. She has long-range plans to recover and return to work and eventually to complete massotherapy school. Her greatest financial need right now is paying her household/living expenses: mortgage and utilities. Any assistance would be appreciated." This 50-year-old woman wrote, "In 2000, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. I went through chemotherapy and radiation and I am still in the process of reconstructive surgery. My next surgery should be in a month or two. At the time I was diagnosed with cancer, my husband lost his job because of LTV going under. I worked part-time between my surgeries as much as I could, and my husband has been able to get work at about half of the income he used to bring in. Times have been so tough we received an eviction notice because we were so behind in our rent, our cars need repairs that we can't afford, and we have a 10-year-old daughter to get through school this year. I hope that after this last surgery, I will be able to find a full-time job that I won't have to take off for treatments or surgeries." This 37-year-old woman, referred by a social worker at the Taussig Cancer Center, suffers from an inoperable tumor of the liver and considered to have a poor prognosis. She is receiving chemo and will be receiving chemo drugs directly into the liver. She is married and has three children (13, 10 and 5). They are behind in their rent and utilities. Referred by the American Cancer Society, this 60-year-old woman wrote, "Before Christmas, I was like you-working, feeling good. Then I was sick for three months and couldn't work. I was in the hospital four times, then had surgery. I found out that I have stage 3 stomach cancer. I had chemotherapy and now am being treated with radiation and then more chemo. Chemo put me in hospital again for eight days. I am fighting for my life and the stress is bad enough, but now I have used all my savings and am at the mercy of my children. They have helped me greatly, but now they can't help me much because it is draining them. So I need all the help I can possibly get. My cancer of the stomach is fast growing. They give me a 50% chance of surviving." This 36-year-old woman was referred by MetroHealth. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in February. She has a small income and received rent assistance from "Lend a Helping Hand." She wrote, "I am a single mother of two daughters, ages 8 and 12. Since my diagnosis, it has been a roller coaster of emotional, physical and financial challenges. The emotional challenges I am overcoming better and better every day through my faith in God. That is the only reason I have not lost my mind. Recently, I got out of an abusive marriage, have been trying to get support for my daughters and now am dealing with recovery. I am currently undergoing chemo and I will have eight weeks of radiation. I'm just taking it one day at a time, staying in prayer, and trying to take care of my family, as well as myself, as I recover. My rent is my greatest financial need because it is most important to have a place for my daughters and me to stay while I'm unable to work because of chemo. I also have a car payment. I want to thank you in advance for any assistance, for my family." This 51-year-old woman was funded last year to prevent her from eviction. She was referred to us by the Gathering Place and was diagnosed with breast cancer in January, 2002. During 2002, her reconstruction "burst" and postponed her chemotherapy, which she states she is getting now. She writes, "Due to illness, I am unable to work and I got evicted in January, 2003. I need help to find an apartment or some sort of roof over my head so I can recover and continue with my life. I currently sleep on the floor and stay in pain. Please help me." This 62-year-old woman, referred by a Cleveland Clinic social worker, stated that she "hasn't worked since March 7, 2003, when I entered the hospital for surgery for squamous cell cancer of the nose. My employer provides no benefits except health insurance, which I pay for beginning May, 2003. I expect to return to work in July. In the meantime, I have all the usual expenses of rent, utilities and food. An application is being initiated for food stamps and assistance through the welfare department. My savings have been depleted." She has had disfiguring surgery on her nose (to her hairline) and is currently in radiation treatment (with discomfort). Referred by First Call For Help, this man wrote, "I am a 40-year-old father of six children, five of whom are still at home. As of March, 2003, I was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder with lymph involvement. I had a radical cystectomy on March 28 and now have a urostomy. I am also being treated with chemotherapy and will continue for the next three months. Due to this serious illness, I have not been able to work and would appreciate any assistance available." His wife just graduated from LPN school and will soon be taking a job in a doctor's office. « back |