Cynthia, a single mother and in perfect health, encountered the unexpected in November 2009 when she received the news that she would be laid off from her job. But the worst was still to come. Shortly after losing her job, she visited the emergency room with a bad cold and mentioned to the doctor that she had found a lump on her breast. Within one week, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was on her way to the hospital for her first surgery.
“I was and still am in shock. There was no time to even think about a course of action,” Cynthia says. “My doctor said, ‘There is no easy way to tell you this so I am going to just tell you. You have cancer.’ To this day I can’t say it, write it, or think it without tearing up. You just never think it will happen to you.”
Virtually overnight, Cynthia had accumulated prescription and medical bills totaling over $20,000 – even after receiving some outside financial assistance from other programs. In addition, Cynthia shouldered the weight of needing to pay her rent, which only added to the anxiety she felt.
Though the financial stress increased, the thought of asking for financial help did not even enter Cynthia’s mind. “All I could think about is what do I need to sell, my jewelry, computers, my car, etc. – anything and everything to get me through this period,” Cynthia says.
However, those at the Hennepin County Medical Center’s Cancer Center stepped in to help by contacting Angel Foundation. Now she could receive the additional financial assistance she so desperately needed.
After receiving a grant from Angel Foundation, Cynthia was able to pay her rent, as well as buy groceries and gas.
“As long as I live I will never forget those at Angel Foundation and how they stepped up and had that check mailed to me within a week,” Cynthia says.
Having her financial needs met gave her time to sit back and reflect on everything, allowing her to appreciate the opportunity to be alive and to be yet another cancer survivor.