Name: Lorraine
Age: 49
Diagnosis: Stage I HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer
State: NY
Program: Women’s Cancer Fund
Date Helped: June 2017
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life? November 2016
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
We have a very active family (I have a son and daughter), especially my daughter. It was her junior year in college when I was diagnosed. We just try to stay together and help each other. I had a lot of nice friends around me that really made a difference in helping us. We never take anything for granted anymore. I think it (the diagnosis) made us closer and respect each other more. My kids really respect the battle that I have fought. In fact, my daughter is doing a solo routine as a dancer in honor of me this year in school.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
Having two kids to care for, one with special needs, has been challenging. I had to always be on my game. Having to juggle their needs with my treatment need s- no rest for the weary!
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
I refused to go to the pity party of cancer. I put on blinders when I got the cancer diagnosis and just did what I had to do for me and my family.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
We get out of the house, we go somewhere as a family to have fun and be silly together, just a time to let our guard down and focus on being a family.
6. How was your family impacted when chose to receive help from our Women’s Cancer Fund?
It took a bit of the financial burden away and gave us some funds to be able to give to my landlord – it was very helpful.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
I found out about the Women’s Cancer Fund online and then I contacted CRFI directly.
Name: Denise
Age: 50
Diagnosis: Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer
State: NJ
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: June 2017
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
November 2012
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
Positive – so many people offer prayers for support
Negative – being sick, not participating in children’s activities
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
Continue to work and run my business. I am a sole proprietor who supports my family.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
Open communication
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
Just realizing how blessed we really are
6. How was your family impacted when chose to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund (now Women’s Cancer Fund)?
Grateful
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
Social worker
Name: Carol
Age: 67
Diagnosis: Stage IV Breast Cancer
State: TN
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: June 2015
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
February 2015
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
It has made me realize that all any of us have is today!
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
Paying medical bills has been my biggest challenge.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
I think we have remained emotionally healthy. We have our breakdowns, but they don’t last long.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
Trips to the beach bring us joy.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
We are very grateful for the help.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
I heard about Cancer Recovery Foundation through my nurse.
Name: Margie
Age: 61
Diagnosis: Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer
State: WA
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: June 2015
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
May 31, 2014
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
We were stunned and worried. It has brought us closer. It has been hard for us, but the love and support we’ve received has been humbling and uplifting.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
The biggest struggle has been my loss of health and energy, and being so ill during chemotherapy. Now it is the financial struggle.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
We’ve stayed mentally and emotionally healthy due to the loving prayers and support from our church and from my co-workers. Our families live in Oregon, but have kept in close touch via phone calls and Facebook.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
The most moving joy brought to us has been from the love and support given to all three of us from others, and from the Pink Diamond Fund.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
We were filled with joy and relief. You paid our HUGE electric bill. Over time, we’ve fallen behind as my long-term disability check was only enough to pay my medical premium. We’ve been making payments on our bills and that becomes so discouraging. We are always struggling.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
We heard about you from our social worker at the hospital.
Name: Shona
Age: 49
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
State: GA
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: June 2015
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
Three weeks after my mammogram. The results came back normal on December 30, 2014.
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
I would say cancer affected my family in a positive way because I have come across a lot of programs that are available to give me the help and support I need in this time of need. I have also met some wonderful people!
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
The biggest challenge for me during treatment would be paying my rent. My hours were cut down to only 18-26 weekly. So trying to piece together checks to pay rent is my biggest challenge.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
My family and I have stayed mentally and emotionally healthy by having a great support group of people to turn to. Also, lots of prayers and praises to God!
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
The most joy or fun to come to my family’s life during my treatment would have to be the joy on my face and smile knowing I am a survivor.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund
My family was impacted by knowing that help is there and that there is a God. I am blessed to know about the Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
I actually found out about Cancer Recovery Foundation from another cancer survivor who paid it forward.
Name: Joanne
Age: 57
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer Stage II
State: PA
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: March 2015
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
September 28, 2014.
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
My mother was the first in my family to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and again in June 2015. I was diagnosed the month she completed her treatments.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
My mother and I were each other’s rock, and without my husband by my side every day, I don’t know if I could have stayed positive. Also, my daughter was a big part of my recovery. I lost my father to lung cancer in 2007 and my brother to pancreatic cancer in August of 2013.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
A lot of prayers and unconditional love from the cancer society and people I have never met. When I felt scared and lonely, I asked God to hold me. That helped more than words could ever say.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
A lot of support that I didn’t even know was out there. You have brought much hope and gratitude in my life.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
More than words could ever say.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
My friend who is also a breast cancer survivor.
Name: Constance
Age: 63
Diagnosis: Stage 3 Breast Cancer
State: NC
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: March 2015
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
Cancer entered my life on July 24, 2014.
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
Positively, I’ve seen a lot of support and empathy. Negatively, there are a lot of financial disagreements.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
Staying focused on my care despite the travel challenge from North Carolina to New York City.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
We have not stayed mentally or emotionally healthy.
5. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
It was a wonderful surprise. We had no idea how we were going to pay the utility bill.
6. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
Through my social worker at the hospital in New York.
Name: Ginger
Age: 45
Diagnosis: Stage 4 Breast Cancer
State: OH
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: September 2014
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
Cancer entered my life in September 2012.
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
I stopped working and moved from GA to OH, bringing my mom and daughter with me. My entire life has changed, but I have great doctors and just need more support between visits – emotional and health wise.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
The side effects of losing my hair, the weight gain, and loss of energy. I am doing more hormone therapy since my cancer is stage four.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
By the grace of God.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
That I am still here living. My daughter has some mental challenges, so OH has many programs available to assist her, allowing me to have time for appointments.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
Being in a new state, finding help from the Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund was most valuable, and I truly appreciate the help.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
I heard about Cancer Recovery Foundation through my hospital.
Name: Carol
Age: 59
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
State: PA
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: June 2014
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
January 27, 2014.
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
It has affected us in a positive way. It has brought us closer together – immediate family – son, daughter, their spouses, and my grandchildren.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
To be able to work. Surgery – April 1st – was to return April 15th. I was unable to because I still had a drain and restriction. Then I had a port infection.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
I attend support groups and counseling at the Cancer Care Center. I stay positive and if I’m having a bad day, I let them know.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
My daughter and her family live in California and she was able to be with me for two weeks and her friends came to visit.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
I was very grateful and very appreciative.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
My patient oncologist navigator.
Name: Bertina
Age: 34
Diagnosis: Stage III Breast Cancer
State: LA
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: March 2014
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
April 11, 2013
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
Cancer has affected my family in a positive way. As a family we enjoy each others company and never take our loved ones for granted.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
My biggest challenge during treatment has been trying to pay bills on a monthly basis.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
Myself and family have stayed mentally and emotionally healthy through constant prayer and communication with God our Savior.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
My positive attitude has brought the most joy to my family during treatment.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund has been a financial blessing in ensuring that our energy bill was paid during hard financial times. The assistance provided helped alleviate stress during challenging times.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
Women’s Hospital patient navigator.
Name: Yolanda
Age: 50
Diagnosis: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
State: OH
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: March 2014
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
August 2013
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
It has caused me to totally depend on the help of others in a way that I never could have imagined. My family has been outstanding. I truly know the meaning of a mother’s love and I am truly blessed.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
Supporting and caring for my daughter, a senior in high school excelling academically. My concerns are not being able to support her in attending the college of her choice.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
Faith in God and lots of prayers. “I” believe that I will conquer and overcome this temporary set back.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
My attitude and spirit.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
Excited to say the least! Knowing that I am not worrying about how my light bill will be paid.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
Social worker at the University Hospital.
Name: Annette
Age: 56
Diagnosis: Stage IV Breast Cancer
State: MI
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: September 2013
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
3/21/2013
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
I had to take off work and my daughter did too. She stuck by my side for all my treatments.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
Paying my bills and transportation.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
The LORD has taken care of us.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
The care at the hospital and the help of your organization has given me.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
We are grateful and ask GOD to bless you in return.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
My daughter did research and found you.
Name: Brenda
Age: 60
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
State: GA
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: September 2013
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
April 28, 2013
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
My family is supportive to my recovery, over-coming the illness.
3. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
Hoping for the best.
4. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
Knowing that there is hope with new treatment and more knowledgeable about saving lives and research that is healing cancer patients.
5. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
They were so grateful and so was I. Thank you for your support!
6. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
Through my social worker who is an angel.
Name: Chanel
Age: 44
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
State: GA
Program: Pink Diamond Fund (now known as the Women’s Cancer Fund)
Date Helped: September 2013
1. Cancer. When did this word enter your life?
8/9/2013
2. How has cancer affected your family in a positive and/or negative way?
Positive – We have grown closer as a family as well as our Faith in the Lord. Negative – Financial, problems eating and sleeping, sadness and more hair loss.
3. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle during your treatment?
Hair lost. Spots on my tongue. Dark nails. Taste buds. Flu like problems. Hot flashes.
4. How have you and your family stayed mentally and emotionally healthy?
It’s hard to stay mentally and emotionally healthy when going through cancer and treatments.
5. What has brought the most joy or fun to your family’s life during your treatment?
My hair – My sister said she hoped my wig wouldn’t look like a taupe.
6. How was your family impacted when chosen to receive help from our Pink Diamond Women’s Cancer Fund?
You are all truly a blessing for me and my family. The Check came just in time so we can pay our rent. Your help provided a roof over our heads. Thank you from our hearts.
7. How did you hear about Cancer Recovery Foundation International?
My social worker.