i understand at times i must sound like a broken record. all the time aware and hyper sensitive to suffering and hardship around me. this past week I was presented with what may be the most urgent request for assistance to date. Wednesday the 24th I received a referral from Trinity Medical Center, a nurse at Trinity named Sandy called to make our group aware of a couple; William and Bonnie. William (62) and Bonnie (58) live in Irondale. William is a cancer patient at Trinity with a terminal diagnosis. When I called Bonnie to assess their needs I was taken back by the urgency of their needs and knew we had to do something immediately to help them. Their most urgent need was food. They were unsure where their next meal was going to come from and so I plunged in head first and went to work on their behalves. One of our troop members and board member for TRF, was gracious to meet the family with some food. In addition, they were being threatened to be evicted over $103 that they owed their landlord. It was surreal and heartwarming to be able to meet these two urgent needs for them and put their minds at ease. One thing I almost always make sure to say to a patient is “I know right now you may feel like you are alone in this battle; but please know we are here for you and will walk with you through this, for as many days as we are needed”.

I am so thankful for each and every one of you. Without your gifts of time, resources and encouragement…. we could not assist families such as the Glass family, so readily. let us continue pouring love on those around us who most assuredly need us. i am overjoyed that we are able and willing to do our part to make a difference, one person at a time, one family at a time.

we are blessed,

rashel

Dear Troops,

I hope your summer is off to a great start. If you are like me, summer is the most fun. Swimming, cookouts, fireworks, beach trips — what a wonderful time of year!  While many of us enjoy the freedom that summer brings, we are constantly in the presence of friends in our community who are living with cancer.  For them, life is not a day at the beach. As trite as it may sound, I am thankful for the consistent dose of humility and perspective.  Please continue to keep the many families we serve in your thoughts and prayers.

Just in the last week, we were able to help Ms. Rosa with transportation.  She is 75-years-old and lives near downtown Birmingham.  We also assisted Ms. Barbara, who cares for an adult child with special needs. TRF was able to help with her co-payments so she can continue treatment prescribed for her continued pain. 

We are also working on a new referral, assessing how we can help this family.  In addition, we continue to hold the Gunn family close to our
hearts as we assess possible additional assistance.

Remember, one family at a time, we are making a difference. May we never grow tired of moving beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others. 

Be well,

Rashel