Women We’ve Helped- Donna

 Grant Recipient: Donna

Grant Recipient: Donna

Your caring and kindness are priceless to me as I know is true for the many women you help in our time of need.

Diagnosis: Stage II Breast Cancer B

Treatment: Chemotherapy, Mastectomy, Hormonal Therapy, and Herceptin infusions

Grant used for: Utility bills, travel costs, insurance

Exhausted at Work and Then a House Floods

For six years, Donna was proud to teach citizenship classes and English as a second language. Then she began to feel more and more tired. When she lost her job, she considered it an opportunity to take a few months to rest and relax before jumping back into the job market. Mother nature had other plans.

Soon after, Donna’s house was flooded. She spent almost a year living out of a hotel, tangling with her insurance company and contractors as she tried to rebuild. While her physical house had been deeply damaged, her body was also letting her down. She felt more exhausted than ever. When she went to the doctor, she was shocked at the diagnosis. Stage II breast cancer.

Not Her First Medical Emergency

Donna has nearly a lifetime of experience overcoming major health challenges. When she was 22, she contracted encephalitis, which left her paralyzed. With focus and determination, she was able to regain about 80% of her mobility. Now, at age 71, she was facing her biggest challenge yet – breast cancer.

Months of tests and consultations ultimately led to a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and Herceptin infusions. Donna’s muscles grew weaker, and as her body started to break down under all the treatment protocols, she struggled just to walk.

Amongst all these serious challenges, Donna was also in major financial distress.

Depressed, Frightened, and Overwhelmed

In her grant application, Donna told us that she was feeling “weak and depressed, frightened and overwhelmed.” Her financial situation was desperate. Her savings were gone, and Social Security was not enough to cover her expenses. She was charging more and more on her credit cards and falling behind on those payments.

A New Outlook

Donna’s story is both heartbreaking and all too common. She worked hard throughout her life, but cancer has stolen away her confidence and financial stability. With the help of our donors, we are grateful for the opportunity to give Donna the helping hand she so clearly deserves.

After receiving her grant, Donna sent us a beautiful thank you letter and told us, “I went to sleep with a peaceful, grateful feeling. I have a new outlook. I can now take the time to rest and rejuvenate.” Donna, we wish you a speedy recovery and many more peaceful days and nights.