Family Reach's Hope for the Holidays Family Stories 2022

Helping families facing cancer this holiday season

Jessica, Age 46

When 46 year old Jessica was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer, she had to stop workin so she could follow her treatment plan. As the sole provider for her and her 9 year old son, sh is now struggling to keep up with daily living expenses.

Jessica gets some support from government assistance programs, but it isn’t enough to cov her rent payments and groceries for her family. During a time when she should be able to focu on recovering, Jessica is worried about her and her son’s basic needs.

Your financial support this holiday season mea stable housing, warm food, and brighter celebrations for families like Jessica’s.

Francisco, Age 6

Francisco is an adorable 6 year old who wa diagnosed with leukemia in July 2022. Due his high risk disease, Francisco and his fam travel more than 100 miles for treatment fou five times a week.

The family uses a state funded medical ride service when available, though they often h to pay around $200 for a trip to the cancer center. Francisco’s stepdad has missed sev days of paid work to get Francisco to the hospital, which adds to the financial stress o treatment.

Your support this holiday season helps fami like Francisco's afford transportation to lifesaving treatment.

Katherine, Age 33

As 33 year old Katherine continues treatme gastric cancer this holiday season, she and two young daughters are feeling the mental emotional, and financial effects of her diagn

Katherine has chemotherapy treatment eve two weeks, so she cut down on her working hours to manage the appointments and side effects. At the same time, Katherine's out-of pocket costs are adding up, such as high medical bills, Uber rides to treatment, and fo for her children.

For Katherine and her children, financial sup means stable housing, warm food, and brigh celebrations this holiday season.

Luis, Age 17

Luis is a 17 year old cancer hero who lives with his mother and younger sister. In February 2022, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

Over the course of the family’s cancer journey, Luis’ mom has missed work several times to attend appointments with her son. After weeks of smaller paychecks, Luis’s mom sadly lost her job, which added to the financial and emotional stress that was already weighing on the family.

In light of all they have gone through with Luis’ diagnosis and treatment, the family is hoping for an uplifting Christmas this year. Your Hope for the Holidays donation gives hope and relief during this celebratory time of year.

Genesis, Age 15

Surrounded by the love and support of her five siblings, 15 year old Genesis is bravely continuing leukemia treatment this holiday season.

Genesis has been in active care for over two years, and a recent relapse sadly led to consistent hospital trips. Though her family is staying positive, they are feeling the financial and emotional effects of cancer.

Your generous Hope for the Holidays gift provides much-needed morale boosts during the season of joy

Lennon, Age 5

5 year old Lennon was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2019 and he’s now in treatment again after relapsing earlier this year.

Lennon lives with his mom and three siblings, but he’s currently recovering from a transplant at a care center far from home. His dad is able to be there with him while his mom is at home caring for her other children.

Government assistance helps Lennon’s mom afford everyday needs for her children, but the cost of treatment and out of pocket expenses are leaving her in financial danger.

As their stressful year comes to a close, your support will allow Lennon’s mom and siblings to visit Lennon so they can celebrate Christmas together

Connita, Age 37

Connita is a loving mom of three who was diagnosed with rectal cancer in August 2022.

When her treatment schedule began to ramp up, Connita, unfortunately, lost her job at the daycare where she worked and was offered no short term disability benefits. This left her in a very stressful financial situation

Without any income, Connita struggled to keep up with her housing payments. She leaned on her family and friends for support, staying with them when possible. Connita also briefly stayed in hotels and a homeless shelter.

Along with safe and stable housing this winter, your support helps Connita afford warm coats, food, and gifts for her children to celebrate the season together

Dakota, Age 4

This holiday season, Dakota's mom and sisters are focused on cheering Dakota through leukemia treatment.

Dakota’s mom had to stop working in order to care for Dakota during treatment and now relie solely on government assistance to provide fo her three young daughters

The family lives with day to day financial stressors and your Hope for the Holidays gift w be a source of much needed comfort and celebration.

Yasmany, Age 31

Yasmany is a loving dad and husband who was diagnosed with cancer in August 2021. He had to stop working when he was diagnosed, and his family struggled to afford treatment costs as well as necessities like food with just his wife’s income.

This holiday season, Yasmany sadly transitioned to hospice care. Now his wife and young children are focused on cherishing the time they have left with him.

With extra financial support, Yasmany’s family won’t have to worry about affording warm food and holiday gifts during such a difficult time

Jessica, Age 34

Jessica was diagnosed with non Hodgkin’s lymphoma in October and is currently in chemotherapy.

Due to treatment side effects and other health concerns, Jessica had to leave her job and relies on government aid to support her and her 7 year old son With such limited income, Jessica worries about keeping up with her bills.

During the season of hope and joy, your support means Jessica will be able to purchase gifts for her son and create special holiday memories with him.

Troy, Age 28

Troy’s cancer journey has been extremely difficult for him and his wife Brittany. Due to Troy's diagnosis, he lost feeling in his legs and is now wheelchair bound His wife is his full time caregiver, there to help him navigate the physical and emotional challenges.

Unfortunately, Troy and Brittany cannot work due to the treatment side effects and aroundthe clock care. This means the couple is living without any income, creating a difficult financial situation on top of daily medical and emotional stress.

As Troy sadly transitions to hospice care, your support will provide relief that helps him and Brittany celebrate the season together.

Samantha, Age 41

Samantha is a single mom of seven who has undergone rigorous treatment for sarcoma over the past three years.

There have been weeks when she’s had to drive an hour to her care center every day and others when she’s had to recover away from her family. Since she’s unable to work, balancing treatment related costs with everyday needs like childcare, groceries, rent, and utilities puts Samantha under serious financial stress.

This holiday season, your generosity will allow Samantha and her kids to celebrate together in the comfort of their home

Toni, Age 48

Toni is a proud mom and grandma. Just as she was ready to return to work in 2017 after taking time to care for her children, she was diagnosed with breast cancer

Toni sadly still hasn't been able to start working again due to treatment, so her family has been relying solely on her husband's income Their budget gets tighter every year and they have been unable to afford necessary home repairs due to high medical costs.

In Toni’s words, the extra support from Hope for the Holidays “would take off a lot of stress and allow us to have a nice meal and be able to afford gifts for the kids.”

Edvin, Age 5

When 5 year old Edvin was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2022, his mom had to stop working and moved in with her brother to care for Edvin and save money for his treatment

As Edvin’s mom and uncle work hard to keep up with the cost of his treatment and all the extra expenses that come with cancer, they’re worried about what the holidays will look like this year.

With your generosity, Edvin and his family will have a little extra love and support to experience the joys of the season at a time when they need it most.

Edgar, Age 48

Edgar is a loving husband and father of three who was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2022.

As a result of his treatment, Edgar has been unable to work and provide for his family The family currently has no income and while they receive some government assistance, they’re living with day to day financial stress.

For Edgar and his wife, Hope for the Holidays provides relief and the chance to celebrate with their children

Amelia, Age 4

Since she was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2022, 4 year old Amelia has spent lots of time in and out of the hospital. Her loving mom, Jennifer, remains by her side each step of the way, caring for her daughter as she faces the demands of treatment at such a young age.

Unfortunately, Jennifer had to quit her job in September in order to care for Amelia. As a single mom who is unable to work, the financial and emotional stress of a child’s cancer journey can quickly become overwhelming.

Your holiday gift provides relief for families like Amelia’s so they can celebrate together without worrying about the many challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Solomon, Age 7

7 year old Solomon was diagnosed with leukemia in March 2018 and sadly relapsed in May 2022.

Solomon’s family was already living on a tight budget prior to his diagnosis. His mom’s income comes from being her son’s personal care assistant, as she helps him navigate his special needs. When Solomon is in the hospital for treatment, his mom can’t be paid for helping with his day to day activities.

This holiday season, Solomon's mom hopes she can afford small gifts for her three children. Your generosity will give her the flexibility for celebrations and festive family memories.

Anderson, Age 4

With two toddlers and a 9 month old baby, Anderson's parents happily have their hands full with a growing family. In October 2020, they heard the news no parent wants to hear: Anderson was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma

Unfortunately, Anderson recently relapsed and his dad had to quit his job to help care for his son. Now his family doesn’t have any income and relies on government assistance as well as some support from loved ones to get by.

This holiday season, your support will provide Anderson’s family with a little extra relief and hope during a much needed time

Amy, Age 42

Amy was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer in July 2015 at the age of 35. Seven years later, she has undergone multiple surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation.

As Amy continues to navigate her cancer journey, the financial impact of her diagnosis takes a heavy toll on her and her two young children. The family relies on public assistance as their only source of income and struggles to make ends meet.

For Amy and her kids, Hope for the Holidays means they can catch up on bills and enjoy relief at this festive time of year

Jose,

Age 28

Jose is a loving husband and dad of two young children who was diagnosed with colon cancer in October 2020.

As a result of his diagnosis, Jose has been unable to work over the last several months. His family has become increasingly stressed financially and emotionally since their household income was cut in half.

During such a difficult time, Jose and his wife would love to host a holiday celebration with their extended family. Your gift will allow Jose’s family to have a festive season as he bravely continues treatment

Gabriel, Age 7

Since he was diagnosed with brain canc February 2020, young Gabriel’s extensiv treatment has included a long six month stay, fractured radiation, and chemothera

Gabriel’s mom stopped working to be by son’s side and travel the 200 mile round his care center The out of pocket costs continued to increase, leaving the family tough financial situation as they focused Gabriel’s health.

One of the most difficult moments was w family lost their home and had to stay in Thankfully, Gabriel’s family is in stable ho again while he continues his treatment p

This holiday season, your support means Gabriel, his mom, and three siblings can stay in their home and celebrate together at a time when they need it most.

Colby, Age 33

While Colby was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019, this year was filled with numerous hospitalizations in addition to his regular treatment. As a result of these health complications, Colby's family is in need of financial assistance now more than ever

Colby and his wife are especially worried about affording holiday celebrations for their young son, and they're hoping for the kindness of others to help them this year.

Your support means families like Colby’s will have gifts to open and joyous experiences to share this holiday season

familyreach.org/holidays