Stories of Help & Hope

Shirley

“Shirley” was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 49 years old. Married with two children, she and her husband had worked hard to make ends meet. Although money had always been tight, they lived a respectable life, their children were thriving in school and they worked hard to provide a better life for all of them. Their dreams of a better future were dashed with Shirley’s diagnosis. She had a mastectomy on one breast and was forced to quit her job. Her husband scaled back his hours at work to take care of her and shuttle her to and from doctor and hospital visits. When Komak met the family, they were emotionally and financially devastated, unsure how they would manage their rent or car payments in the coming months. Komak was able to assist them with their expenses, helping them bridge the gap until they could get back on their feet.

Jackie

“Jackie” was diagnosed with lung cancer. When Komak met her, she was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Jackie was insured through her husband’s health insurance plan until he lost his job. They were unable to afford the expensive Cobra health insurance payments, and, fortunately, were accepted into one of Oregon’s health plans for coverage. Jackie’s husband was looking for work, but was worried about how the family would continue to manage their mortgage payments and cover minimal expenses such as food, gas, medical bills, co-pays, etc. They were only heating their home in the evenings to save money. They had been a hard-working family, living in a modest home, full of hope for their son’s future. The cancer diagnosis, coupled with the job loss, devastated them. Komak was able to assist the family financially until their situation stabilized.

Paul

Paul was diagnosed with Sarcoma in his twenties. When Komak met him, he was undergoing chemotherapy and waiting to have surgery. Employed, he had health insurance and his employer allowed him to work as much as he could in between treatments. However, his paycheck did not cover his expenses or the cost of his insurance deductible. Komak was able to assist with his expenses, giving him a chance to recover and return to work full-time. Read more about his story here.

Paula

“Paula,” a single mother of two, was diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer. When Komak met her, she had undergone a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, and she was on leave from her job. Due her extended leave from her job and the nature of her treatment, her employer stopped paying for her health insurance. Paula did not qualify for federal assistance because her income was too high ($650/month). The Cobra payments to continue her insurance were an enormous financial burden. Komak was able to assist Paula financially until she was able to return to work and her insurance was reinstated.