Who We've Helped
Read what some of our patients have said about SIS.
This patient contacted SIS through her social worker at the cancer center. She needed assistance to purchase beds for her children and help with moving expenses as she was just approved for Section 8 housing and are looking for an apartment. Her children have been sharing beds and have not had proper bedding in her current living situation. This patient has also been sleeping on the couch much of the time as well.
- N, Age 40
In June 2010, our patient was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer metastatic to the bone and on 12/17/13 she was found to have progression of her disease to her liver. She is an amazing person, single mom of two children ages 7 & 12. Her current social security income does not cover her expenses, so she has developed a significant debt with RGE. Yesterday her service was shut off because she could not keep up with responding to the shut off notices. We managed to get it turned back on, but she could use some help getting it caught up. She has had a lot of disruption this year with the loss of her mother to heart disease and the loss of her relationship with her boyfriend. She does not get child support from her children’s fathers, and is looking to see if her children are entitled to SSI.
- G, Age 36
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Unfortunately it returned as Stage IV in my bones and in my lymph nodes. I am a single mom with three children. I was also laid off a few years ago and was out of work for almost a year. All of my savings and retirement money was depleted.
- C, Age 47
I am applying for this grant to help with my financial situation. At this time, I am living off donations from the people at my job. I never know from paycheck to paycheck if I am going to get paid as I have run out of leave/sick time and vacation. I am receiving short term disability that is not state funded and is due to expire as it only pays up to 3 months. As it stands right now, I will not be returning to work until chemo treatment is complete because I am having a hard time stabilizing. My husband is disabled and cannot work to supplement our income and I have a daughter who is away at college. I also am on probation at my job as I started in 2013.
- S, Age 48
I can’t thank you all enough for your generous grant. It will definitely help with the added costs of travel to NYC Sloan for the second opinion I received, the tremendous amount of unpaid time from work, and copays. Although my cancer is considered Stage IV terminal, I have faith in God and the medical team to give me many more years of a quality of life. Please keep me in your prayers. I am so thankful for your help!
- C, Age 56
I have been diagnosed with Stage IV disease to my femur, ribs, and skull. The pain is very intense and I’m not able to work because of it. Sometimes my medical expenses are very high such as getting hearing aid batteries and lifts in my shoes due to a mistake in a hip replacement.
- G, Age 57
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Unfortunately it returned as Stage IV in my bones and in my lymph nodes. I am a single mom with three children. I was also laid off a few years ago and was out of work for almost a year. All of my savings and retirement money was depleted.
- C, Age 47
Our patient would like to receive assistance with a deposit on a new rental property as she is unable to negotiate the stairs in current home. Our patient has had complications from arthritis in her legs and hips from as a result of her breast cancer treatment. During her treatment, her husband decided to leave her and move out of the country, which reduced her income dramatically. She does not have the money to put down for the deposit. It would be a great gift to her children to move to this new home which is affordable and in a safer neighborhood.
- A, Age 58
My unemployment is about to cut me off because I’m not able to look for work. I have a lot of doctor’s appointments and I wasn’t able to make the unemployment appointment so they took one of my checks. I had to buy an adjustable bed so I could get in and out of bed. I need help with everything. Not sure of end date for chemo. Please help me!
- J, Age 49
Thank you from my heart for the kindness you have shown me. As my breast cancer journey becomes more difficult, so does the financial burden. Months come and I wonder how I am going to pay the mortgage and still put food on the table. Please know what a difference you have made in my life and I appreciate all you do. Fondly,
- G, Age 57
Most of her income is derived from commission from her sales position. Since she is not working her income has been reduced to almost nothing. Whatever assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated.
- M, Age 48
Our patient’s ability to work has been disrupted with the diagnosis of breast cancer in February 2013. She has already endured the loss of her husband to heart disease. She has a 33 year old developmentally delayed child who is supportive and helpful, but is also on SSI. She owns her home, and has depleted her savings and retirement funds in attempts to maintain her home throughout her illness. She has had hopes to return to her job, but is feeling discouraged about that possibility at this time. Whatever you can do to assist her in alleviating her current financial burden would be most helpful.
- D, Age 60
Our patient needs assistance in paying RGE and other costs of his daily living. He grew up in a rural farming area and prior to his breast cancer diagnosis he was living and working as a caregiver for his father. He has moved to live with his sister and her family in a rough area of the city. His sister has had her own challenges in making ends meet, but emotionally they mutually support each other. He would like to be able to contribute rent payment and he is trying to handle their RGE. Getting his income started is taking time so he is already lagging behind in his commitment. Whatever you can do to assist him would be greatly appreciated.
- M, Age 41
I can’t thank you all enough for your generous grant. It will definitely help with the added costs of travel to NYC Sloan for the second opinion I received, the tremendous amount of unpaid time from work, and copays. Although my cancer is considered Stage IV terminal, I have faith in God and the medical team to give me many more years of a quality of life. Please keep me in your prayers. I am so thankful for your help!
- C, Age 56