The H.O.W. Motto:
One woman giving $10 can buy another woman lunch. Ten women giving $10 can buy a woman's groceries. One hundred women giving $10 can make a real difference in another woman's life.
The H.O.W. Vision:
We envision a world where everyone is willing to provide comfort and support to another person when they need hope restored to their life.
The H.O.W. Mission:
In order to help create such a world, we are women joining together to demonstrate our support to help one woman at a time move forward on her journe through times of devastating trouble and loss. We believe that when we help one woman, we are helping one family, and through that family, we are helping our community.
Why do I tell you all of this? I was so honored this week to be the first recipient of the Lindsay H.O.W. chapter's monthly fundraiser. I know that my readers know my story, but let me reiterate a few points about the difficulties of this cancer journey.
I have been a single parent for 19 years, and currently, I am the sole provider for my son and myself. However, I was out of work on disability for 5 months. During that time, I received about 1/3 of my pay. In addition, to the pay cut, my doctors are in Bakersfield 65 miles away. For awhile, I had to go to Bakersfield three times a week. Each time I go to the doctor, there is a co pay. There are medications. Although I have good insurance, there are still percentages that I must pay and deductibles. During my recovery, my son got sick. He had three bouts of bronchitis and was in the hospital for four days with cellulitis. Not throwing a pity party here, because no matter how tight money has been, we have made it, we have been supported, and we have felt the love of our friends, family, and community.
This month has been exceptionally difficult. Because I went back to work, there was no disability check, but because I'm a teacher, I don't get paid until March. So, basically, there was no pay check this month, but we still had all our regular bills.
To have my community's chapter of H.O.W. honor me was so amazingly humbling! Because of the generosity of our friends and neighbors, we will be able to make it through the month. As I was being gifted, I was reminded of some of the lessons that I have learned since being diagnosed. I have learned that family isn't always blood. I have learned the true meaning of love, and it wasn't what I thought it was. And I learned what it means to be a part of a community. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I am humbled, appreciative, honored, thankful, grateful, and so very, very blessed!
Check out the resource page for information on H.O.W. I also added a link for a site that gives you cancer patient rights. Really important info!