EDNA

When Edna was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2003, she was living on an income of approximately $650 a month. After her diagnosis, her limited budget was stretched even further as she began to battle this disease.

"I just needed a little help," explained Edna. "And the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers Foundation was there to provide what I needed."

Now cancer free, Edna received her treatment at Kaiser, undergoing radiation five days a week for a total of 30 treatments. But before she could start her radiation treatments, Edna needed to have some dental work done.

When Edna's dental bill arrived in the fall of 2003, she did not have the money to pay it. Between her copayments for physician visits, pharmacy bills and her radiation procedures, her monthly income was stretched about as far as it could go.

Knowing of her troubles, the folks at Kaiser referred her to The Foundation. The Foundation paid her dental bill in full and even provided her with a gift certificate for groceries.

"I never mentioned needing groceries," explained Edna. "But the Foundation sent me a gift certificate anyway. I always knew that my prayers would be answered."

JIM

"For me, the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers Foundation was a bright light shining in the middle of darkness," explained Jim, one of the many people who benefits from the Foundation each year.

Diagnosed with kidney and lung cancer in the fall of 2003, Jim and his wife had always been responsible when it came to finances. A meat cutter for 37 years, Jim had money in the bank and owned a couple of rental houses. But after his cancer diagnosis, Jim couldn't work for several months, his renters moved out and he was unable to sell the houses. As his sick pay ran out and his savings was depleted, it wasn't long until Jim felt the financial pressures that often coincide with battling this disease.

As Jim and his family struggled with all the hardships that a cancer diagnosis brings, a staff member at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers clinic where Jim received his care told him about the Foundation. According to Jim, the Foundation helped him pay his heating bill and also made three house payments for him.

Now back at work, Jim is thankful to the Foundation for helping him in his time of need. "It is so hard to deal with financial pressures when fighting cancer," Jim said. "But on the other hand, I want to take care of things for my wife and not just give up and die. I just thank God that The Foundation cared about me and my family."

RITA

In January of 2004, Rita was diagnosed with lung cancer. Already living paycheck to paycheck, things became even more difficult when she lost her job shortly after the diagnosis.

Because she didn't have health insurance, Rita had trouble finding a place that would treat her. But the folks at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers not only provided her with the necessary medical treatment, they also assisted her with her other needs as well. The financial counselor at the clinic where she was receiving treatment referred her to The Foundation. The Foundation gave her $500 to help with her rent payments.

"I didn't know what I was going to do," explained Rita. "I had no job, no insurance and between all the chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I didn't have the opportunity to look for work. I was blessed to be guided to the Foundation."

While Rita is in the midst of another round of therapy, her treatments are working and she is hopeful that she will recover.

"I wish I would win the lotto so that I could give the Foundation bunches of money," exclaimed Rita. "They were so helpful, not just financially but also emotionally."

PAMELA

In the middle of her battle with cancer, Pamela was struggling to save her home.

In the fall of 2001, Pamela's mortgage company informed her that they wanted at least two monthly payments or they were going to foreclose on her home in December. With the help of some friends, Pamela was able to come up with one payment, but was at a loss for the second. For months she had been applying for numerous grants, but never received any positive response.

The RMCC Foundation was the answer to her prayers. The Foundation gave Pamela the grant money she needed in order to save her home. Thanks to The RMCC Foundation she was back on track with her payments and when the mortgage company saw where the payment was coming from they dropped all late charges.

"I was close to losing everything. The RMCC Foundation restored my faith and I am forever indebted to them. They gave me hope for the future," Pamela explained.

Patient Quotes:

"I'll never forget the shock of receiving the news from my doctor… you have cancer. My only thoughts were, how will I survive and how will I continue to provide for myself and my family?"

"I want to thank you for helping me out with my energy bill and my telephone bill. If you had not helped me I don't know what I would have done." S.M. breast cancer patient

"So you know that you do make a difference, I was hungry when the King Soopers card came. I'd been eating mac and cheese for three days." C.S. breast cancer patient

"I would like to say thank you so much for helping our family catch up on our back rent. It helped to keep my four kids in their house. It's people like you that make this world a better place." D.A. breast cancer patient

"Thank you so much for helping me pay my mortgage when I was unemployed. I can't tell you how great it was to get help when I really needed it" M.J. breast cancer patient

"Thank you for your wonderful help in paying my rent and for the $150.00 in groceries. It felt so great to actually have help with my bills. With the extra money I had I was able to buy my kids some clothes." D.R. breast cancer patient

"Seeing the support from you…has encouraged me to continue fighting."
E.R. Hodgkins cancer patient

"I am so very thankful for your help in paying for my medicine. You have no ides how appreciated this is. Your mission has been reached with us.
P.W melanoma cancer patient

"Your Foundation is invaluable and very appreciated." E.S., NHL patient

"It is very kind of you to help us folks out and I believe it benefits our health also. It takes some worries off my mind and lets me know people care."
E.C. uterine cancer patient

"We've been going through some rough times but your generosity and help really gives me the confidence that everything is going to work out. Thanks you again! You'll never know how much this means." Vicky Petrafeso 10/03

"Thank you for the help in paying my mortgage. Words cannot express my gratitude." P.E. myelodysplasia patient

"Thank you so much for the King Soopers card. It's wonderful to have an organization like this one." D.M. leukemia cancer patient

"Thank you so much for the grant. It meant so much at such a critical time. Hope you keep up forever with this great work." R.C. sarcoma patient

"Thank you all so much for the King Soopers gift cards. Your kind gift will make a BIG difference to our family." S.P. multiple myeloma cancer patient

"Thank you at the RMCC Foundation for your generosity in giving me a grant to cover my rent. It was VERY appreciated! Things are not easy for me .If it weren't for the kindness of people such as yourselves...I can hardly imagine where I'd be."
J.K. chronic leukemia cancer patient

"I was close to losing everything. The Foundation restored my faith and I am forever indebted to them. They gave me hope for the future." P.W. colon cancer patient

"I wanted to send you a heartfelt thank you for the King Soopers certificates. I was overwhelmed at the generosity and support."