Thursday, May 14, 2009

Her story. Her dream. Our calling!

My mom was re-diagnosed (after 9 yrs of remission) with stage four breast cancer in January 2005. She went through chemotherapy for 4 years straight and never complained. She never questioned why it was happening to her, and continued to serve God and others as if the disease didn't phase her. 

When she got diagnosed she did not have medical insurance, which made things a lot more complicated. We had no idea how we were going to pay for treatment, or even things like our mortgage, electricity, or even food. We tried to apply for funding and assistance from large agencies, but most funding solely went towards cancer research. A woman at Texas Oncology connected us with a non-profit agency in San Antonio called "Wings." This agency stepped in and started helping to pay for medical treatment we could not afford as well as helping us with day to day expenses, like utility bills and food. It was an answered prayer. Thank you Jesus. 

After fighting this disease for 4 years, the Lord decided it was time for her to join Him in Heaven where she will spend eternity, dancing and celebrating with Jesus.

My mom had a dream of opening up a non-profit, to support uninsured women with cancer and their families, just as Wings supported our family for two full years. We had several conversations about wanting to do this and we said we knew we were going to make it happen someday. When she got really sick, I remember assuring her that it would still happen because it's something the Lord called us to do together. We will be opening up a non-profit that will support families as a whole and reach those who fall through the gaps in our system. 

This is our vision: We will provide cancer education, assist in applying for free drugs from pharmacuetical companies, provide financial assistance for day to day living (i.e. utilities, food, expenses) We will also provide biblical counseling/therapy to the entire family throughout the process from diagnosis to end of life decisions and grief counseling. 

My mom was a servant of Jesus. She was a model to me of what it looks like to give sacrificially, no matter what the Lord has placed in your life. Her love for the Lord is the story that she would want to be told. Her battling cancer was just a part of His sovereign plan, and not her identity...Her identity was in her relationship with Jesus Christ. 

I am going to need significant help from others to make this happen. If you would like to help be a part of this, please let me know! We are in the beginning planning stage right now & this blog is a great way for people to throw out ideas and communicate!  

That is her story. That is her dream. Help me obey His calling by pursuing her dream! 

James 1:27

1 comment:

  1. Allison, thanks so much for including me on this. I think it is a beautiful lasting legacy for your family to provide such hope and support when sickness comes. I look forward to reading more and learning from you in this.

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