I often wonder how is it that everyone who engages COC immediately wants to help. I know people have amazing hearts, it's just that sometimes it seems so much more.
Today I learned why?
I had a conversation with a "well-known, national cancer organization" today who basically said it was okay if we worked together but we would never have a collective fundraiser. I was stunned for a minute....
What did they mean?
Well, they meant exactly what they said! They even explained it to me.
The conversation went like this...
Ms. Jenkins we are so pleased with the way things have been working out. The people we've referred to you truly appreciate your help. My response was " Thank you so much _____. I am glad to hear they like our service. I believe we will be able to help more people as we work together for outreach, financial assistance and with fundraising activities."
I might as well as cussed!
The person responded "Huh um' no we can work together but we will never fundraise together, we keep what we raise."
All I could think of was "WOW!" Why? Because we could raise much more together than appart. They then told me that they would welcome COCs help but could not give any monies raised to us.
So this truly confirmed our position.... HOW?
I learned yesterday that an organization providing cancer support services is having a fundraiser. A silent auction and was requesting help from volunteers to secure items for it.
I knew I could make some calls and get about $300 worth of stuff. I informed the Exec Director that COC was offering items for them to auction.
They were AMAZED! They said "groups don't just help others like this. The small nonprofits are just raising money trying to stay afloat."
My thoughts were and are.....
Man, the trust we have in God to supply our needs allows us to be a blessing to others as they work to meet their need. We are truly unique!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Serving Others to Live; Living to Serve Others
Over the past few weeks, I have asked God am I really cut out to do this. Not because I don't like to help others but because of the hurt I see daily.
We get new clients almost every day. Whether it's a woman battling breast cancer, or a man battling prostate cancer or a child battling leukemia, I see and hear the expressions of their loved ones. The sadness and the joy.
Why Sadness? The emotional struggle those battling cancer face is tremendous. To know that one is in a fight that will end in their death if not one is alarming. Imagine going to the doctor because you have a pain in your lower back only to learn that it's bone cancer. What about being health conscious, having regular check-ups, go for a routine check up and be diagnosed with testicular cancer. The fear that initially comes upon the person is like an emotional sledge hammer.
Not to mention the financial mack truck barreling down on the person. Once diagnosed, the person then has to take time off for tests - bone scan, MRI, CAT Scans, blood tests, urine tests, tissue samples, ultrasounds, biopsies, physical exams etc. We are initially talking a few hours here and there. Once the hours start to add up it equates to financial burden on the person and their family.
Just think... If I am a parent working 40 hr/wk making $21/hr - I earn $840 before taxes weekly. Now I get diagnosed with cancer.... I have a blood test and a physical this week and it will take a half day (4 hrs). Next week I have to meet with the oncologist and have a ultra sound (1 day). The next week I have to meet to discuss chemo options and schedule port surgery (1 day). We haven't completed the first month and I already have missed 2.5 days of work or 20 hours or $420 from my household income. The doctors recommend 8 rounds of chemo given every other week. For 4 months my income will be affected by my ability to deal with the sickness and nausea of chemo. It's said that ones down a couple of days after a treatment. In this case that would be at least 4 days a month / 32 hours / $672 out of the household income - and this doesn't not include the $50 co-pay / doctor visit.
The financial burden is mounting. Prior to Christians Overcoming Cancer (COC) limited financial assistance was available to those who were income eligible (below 175% poverty level - less than $3,216 monthly for a family of four) that included rent assistance up to $600 (once a year); utility assistance up to $250 annually.
The reality is a cancer treatment plan may last 6 to 9 months, with a need for assistance occurring several times. For this reason we exist.
Why Joy? When the clients referred to COC learn about our programs they are so overwhelmed with joy and relief knowing that there is someone there to offer the much needed financial support. Not just one time but however often the support is needed until the journey is completed.
In the end, God revealed that Yes, I am more than cut out to handle what comes COCs way. By living the journey myself I have been given an up close and personal understanding of what others face. As a result God's developed in me the ability to have empathy and compassion greater than ever before. Thus the reason I know that I am cut out for this....
I serve others to live and I live to serve others.
Mary Jenkins, President/CEO
Christians Overcoming Cancer
35 E Gay Street, Suite 500-B
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Office: 614-227-9400
Direct: 614-805-1253
Website: www.christiansovercomingcancer.com
Email: mary@christiansovercomingcancer.com
We get new clients almost every day. Whether it's a woman battling breast cancer, or a man battling prostate cancer or a child battling leukemia, I see and hear the expressions of their loved ones. The sadness and the joy.
Why Sadness? The emotional struggle those battling cancer face is tremendous. To know that one is in a fight that will end in their death if not one is alarming. Imagine going to the doctor because you have a pain in your lower back only to learn that it's bone cancer. What about being health conscious, having regular check-ups, go for a routine check up and be diagnosed with testicular cancer. The fear that initially comes upon the person is like an emotional sledge hammer.
Not to mention the financial mack truck barreling down on the person. Once diagnosed, the person then has to take time off for tests - bone scan, MRI, CAT Scans, blood tests, urine tests, tissue samples, ultrasounds, biopsies, physical exams etc. We are initially talking a few hours here and there. Once the hours start to add up it equates to financial burden on the person and their family.
Just think... If I am a parent working 40 hr/wk making $21/hr - I earn $840 before taxes weekly. Now I get diagnosed with cancer.... I have a blood test and a physical this week and it will take a half day (4 hrs). Next week I have to meet with the oncologist and have a ultra sound (1 day). The next week I have to meet to discuss chemo options and schedule port surgery (1 day). We haven't completed the first month and I already have missed 2.5 days of work or 20 hours or $420 from my household income. The doctors recommend 8 rounds of chemo given every other week. For 4 months my income will be affected by my ability to deal with the sickness and nausea of chemo. It's said that ones down a couple of days after a treatment. In this case that would be at least 4 days a month / 32 hours / $672 out of the household income - and this doesn't not include the $50 co-pay / doctor visit.
The financial burden is mounting. Prior to Christians Overcoming Cancer (COC) limited financial assistance was available to those who were income eligible (below 175% poverty level - less than $3,216 monthly for a family of four) that included rent assistance up to $600 (once a year); utility assistance up to $250 annually.
The reality is a cancer treatment plan may last 6 to 9 months, with a need for assistance occurring several times. For this reason we exist.
Why Joy? When the clients referred to COC learn about our programs they are so overwhelmed with joy and relief knowing that there is someone there to offer the much needed financial support. Not just one time but however often the support is needed until the journey is completed.
In the end, God revealed that Yes, I am more than cut out to handle what comes COCs way. By living the journey myself I have been given an up close and personal understanding of what others face. As a result God's developed in me the ability to have empathy and compassion greater than ever before. Thus the reason I know that I am cut out for this....
I serve others to live and I live to serve others.
Mary Jenkins, President/CEO
Christians Overcoming Cancer
35 E Gay Street, Suite 500-B
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Office: 614-227-9400
Direct: 614-805-1253
Website: www.christiansovercomingcancer.com
Email: mary@christiansovercomingcancer.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Requesting your prayers for the people we serve...
Christians Overcoming Cancer is a faith-based 501C3 organization helping cancer patients succeed on their road to recovery through awareness, emotional support and financial relief.
We receive daily requests for emotional support and financial relief services. Our goal is to support the individual throughout their cancer treatment which can last 6 - 9 months or years depending on the cancer diagnosis.
To date we have met 100% of the financial relief requests received from cancer patients in several states across the country (OH, TX, GA, IL, PA, VA and NC).
We are asking believers to pray for the manifested healing of the people COC serves.
The families listed below were referred over the last 4 months. COC will provide emotional support and financial relief services multiple times throughout their 2009 battle over cancer.
Pegues Family - 74 yr old man battling
Fabash Family - 37 yr old man battling
Battle Family - 10 yr old boy battling
Biddle Family - 44 yr old woman battling
Thomas Family - 1 yr old girl battling
Wager Family - 52 yr old man battling
Engle Family - 26 yr old woman battling
Doorman Family - 6 yr old girl battling
Prunty Family - 44 yr old man battling
McGowan Family - 88 yr old woman battling
Fossit Family - 34 yr old woman battling
Coates Family - 9 yr old boy battling
Hernandez Family - 33 yr old woman battling (considered terminal)
Harruff Family - 22 yr old woman battling
Patell Family - 41 yr old woman battling
Barnes Family - 66 yr old man battling
Coats Family - 47 yr old woman battling
Gill Family - 29 yr old man battling (considered inoperable)
Theadford Family - 70 yr old woman battling
Reeves Family - 17 yr old boy battling
Salter Family - 31 yr old woman battling AND 7 yr old boy battling
These families, some since November '08 and others in 2009, are expected to need emotional support and financial assistance for most of 2009.
Thank you in advance for your prayer seed.We will update this link as new clients are referred to us.
Blessings be yours,
Mary
Mary Jenkins, President/CEO
Christians Overcoming Cancer
www.christiansovercomingcancer.com
mary@christiansovercomingcancer.com
We receive daily requests for emotional support and financial relief services. Our goal is to support the individual throughout their cancer treatment which can last 6 - 9 months or years depending on the cancer diagnosis.
To date we have met 100% of the financial relief requests received from cancer patients in several states across the country (OH, TX, GA, IL, PA, VA and NC).
We are asking believers to pray for the manifested healing of the people COC serves.
The families listed below were referred over the last 4 months. COC will provide emotional support and financial relief services multiple times throughout their 2009 battle over cancer.
Pegues Family - 74 yr old man battling
Fabash Family - 37 yr old man battling
Battle Family - 10 yr old boy battling
Biddle Family - 44 yr old woman battling
Thomas Family - 1 yr old girl battling
Wager Family - 52 yr old man battling
Engle Family - 26 yr old woman battling
Doorman Family - 6 yr old girl battling
Prunty Family - 44 yr old man battling
McGowan Family - 88 yr old woman battling
Fossit Family - 34 yr old woman battling
Coates Family - 9 yr old boy battling
Hernandez Family - 33 yr old woman battling (considered terminal)
Harruff Family - 22 yr old woman battling
Patell Family - 41 yr old woman battling
Barnes Family - 66 yr old man battling
Coats Family - 47 yr old woman battling
Gill Family - 29 yr old man battling (considered inoperable)
Theadford Family - 70 yr old woman battling
Reeves Family - 17 yr old boy battling
Salter Family - 31 yr old woman battling AND 7 yr old boy battling
These families, some since November '08 and others in 2009, are expected to need emotional support and financial assistance for most of 2009.
Thank you in advance for your prayer seed.We will update this link as new clients are referred to us.
Blessings be yours,
Mary
Mary Jenkins, President/CEO
Christians Overcoming Cancer
www.christiansovercomingcancer.com
mary@christiansovercomingcancer.com
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