For Jim and Bridget, maintaining a “normal” family life amidst the hectic demands of spearheading their own business, along with working additional jobs to fund the company was enough of a challenge. But in September of 2006, less than two years after their business start-up, Bridget received an unexpected report that would shake her world. She had been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer and would need immediate surgery, followed by chemotherapy and possible radiation treatments.
“I was shocked and terrified,” Bridget says. “My husband was sitting next to me as I heard the news from my doctor and was ‘numb’ as he told the members of my family and friends.”
With two children, ages three and six, Bridget and Jim could only wonder what life might entail during the cancer journey. How would they continue to provide a stable environment for their children when Bridget would need to spend time in treatment? How would they financially support their family when their income would decrease significantly and their medical expenses skyrocket?
“I told my six year old son [about my cancer] and he said, ‘But I don’t want you to have cancer,’” Bridget says. “I said, ‘I don’t either, but we’ll figure out a way through it.”
Fortunately, help was on its way. Bridget learned about Angel Foundation.
“The financial assistance helped me with several utility bills during the time I couldn't work because I was recovering from surgery or sick/exhausted from chemo,” says Bridget. “It was very comforting to feel that ‘someone out there’ was taking care of me and helping me get through my cancer treatment.”
With a desire to show her appreciation, Bridget began volunteering at Angel Foundation during the winter of 2011.
“I always remembered what Angel Foundation did for me and I wanted to give back to other people who are in a similar situation,” Bridget says. “I also really respect the docs who started and fund Angel foundation and hope I can help them just as they have helped me.”
As a volunteer, Bridget has the opportunity to invest in the lives of Angel Foundation’s Facing Cancer Together program participants by assisting with support groups and Teen Outreach activities. By sharing her experiences with others, she has the chance to relay hope in their cancer journey and in return, she is inspired by their courage.
“I think people who are going through cancer treatment are rock stars. I have the utmost respect and admiration for the families facing cancer and am honored to work with them,” Bridget says. “The most rewarding is when I see children connect with other children in the program; they seem to say [to each other], ‘Hey, you're going through this too, let’s be friends.’”