Stories of Hope

The generosity of our community is clearly illustrated by the stories of hope from those who have benefited from our various philanthropy funds. Read the stories below to see how your gift can spread hope and improve the quality of life for others in our community.

Elizabeth's Story

"Prior to the COVID- 19 pandemic, Elizabeth supplemented her limited income by baking bread to sell at farmers markets. But because she is immunocompromised, her doctors have asked her to shelter in place indefinitely. Without the supplemental income, the $1,500 heating and cooling unit she had planned to buy became completely out of reach. She was stuck at home with no reliable way of fending off the summer heat. When her aging swamp cooler finally died last year, she started researching her options. “I was grateful that the swamp cooler didn’t die until October,” Elizabeth says. She had decided on a ductless heating and air conditioning wall unit recommended by the American Lung Association but found herself with no way of paying for it. “A friend told me there’s a philanthropy fund at the hospital,” Elizabeth explains. Read more

Erin's Story

"Cancer is overwhelming - financially and logistically," Erin, a patient at the Diana J. White Cancer Institute says.

Erin, who lives nearly an hour from Sonora, in Dorrington, was diagnosed with anal squamous cell carcinoma and would require nearly two months of daily radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Susan, a social worker at the Cancer Institute, suggested using the Cancer Patient Support Fund to help Erin pay for short-term housing at Quail Hollow, less than five minutes away. "This was a huge blessing and a quick solution," Erin says.

"I just want to say thank you for the ongoing support I've received from day one at the Cancer Institute."

Michelle's Story

I have always been proud of our Hospice team and the vital service they provide for our community. In 2019, I gained a new perspective and Tree of Lights took on a special meaning for my family.

That spring, my Grandma was discharged from the hospital on hospice care. It didn't seem like she was going to die. "We want your Grandma to live," our Hospice care team explained. "We want to support her so that she can participate in her favorite activities and enjoy life." Over the next few months, Grandma went to church, came to the hospital as a volunteer and went on errands. Most importantly, she spent quality time at home with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

As you would expect, she got worse. Hospice was able to provide an immediate response whenever we were worried and they brought in additional resources, including a hospital bed and oxygen, as her condition declined.

One Saturday morning, I was watching over Grandma and she told me, "I think I am going to die today." I called Hospice. Our nurse came right away and made sure I was okay. Then she checked on Grandma. She came out, prayed with me and made sure I had everything I needed.

It was July 2019, and Grandma passed away at the age of 97. We couldn't stop that process from happening, but we could be there to help. I feel blessed to be a Christian, knowing I have the chance to see her again.

I believe that Hospice care is one of the most loving things our organization does for our patients and community. My Grandma died with dignity, at home, surrounded with loving care.