Cruz

"After being on medical leave for four months while undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer, my employer notified me they would be terminating my employment. This meant I would also lose my group medical insurance coverage. I needed to sign up for COBRA immediately in order to ensure that there was no lapse of coverage.Considering I have been responding so well to my current treatment and in order to avoid any delay in care, my oncologist suggested I contact Circle of Hope to see if they could help with the COBRA payments.God answered my prayers when I heard Colleen's voice on my answering machine. The staff at Circle of Hope jumped into crisis mode since I only had 2 weeks before my group medical coverage was terminated. With Colleen's kind and compassionate guidance and Jennifer's personal attention and support, I was able to submit all the proper documentation needed for consideration. I was approved and a check was immediately mailed out. My COBRA coverage then began.In assisting me with my medical insurance payments, Circle of Hope has made i possible for me to receive the medical care I need to fight my cancer. Their assistance has helped reduce the stress, anxiety, and fear I had been experiencing when thinking I had to choose between paying my mortgage or medical insurance. I am no able to focus on my health, and continue to enjoy and spend quality time with my two boys.My family and I will be forever grateful to the donors who make it possible for Circle of Hope to do such great work. Their effort and dedication to improve the daily life of both breast cancer patients and their families have personally given me hope."

 

 

Caryn

"I am a divorced mother of three. I have 2 grandchildren. I am a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on August 6th, 2007. I found a lump in my right breast. The MRI found 6 lumps in my left breast. I had a bi-lateral (double) mastectomy on August 30, 2007. I began chemotherapy in early October. I was a district manager for a larger retailer. When I went back to work in early November, I was told that under the current circumstances, I could no longer fulfill my executive duties and obligations. I was no faced with no income and no benefits. This hit me harder that being told that I had breast cancer. I am a self-sufficient woman who owns a home and has bills to pay. These bills also include the chemotherapy, radiation, and reconstructive surgery I have ahead of me. How How was I going to pay for the rest of my medical requirements? How was I going to pay my mortgage and my bills? What was I going to do?With the shock and surprise I was feeling over losing my job, I did not know where to go for help. I am always the person giving the help and guidance; now I needed it and did not know where to turn.In conversation with someone about my situation, they asked me if I had heard of Circle of Hope and I had not. My daughter picked up the phone and contacted Circle of Hope to find out what they offered to breast cancer patients. Circle of Hope provided me with the support that allowed me to continue with my treatment and focus on my recovery knowing that I am a survivor. What a weight that was lifted from my shoulders.