My Story

Read about women who have battled breast cancer with the help of Sense of Security. Every story is unique and heartfelt. Sense of Security is proud to have served these women.

Polly

“You and your staff have been such a great help to us I can’t even begin to tell you how hard Cancer is all by itself but when you add finances on top of it it’s extremely overwhelming especially to my husband who’s done a lot of this on his own since Cancer. I have lost a great many things but I have gained a great many things, a husband who is the best and most incredible man in my life during and after Cancer and a 5 year old son who’s the joy of my life and wonderful people like you who help someone like me.”

Laura*

"October 1st always had a special meaning for me. It was my Dad's birthday. In 2003 the date of October 1st took on a new meaning. It was the day I was diangosed with breast cancer. At the time, I held two part-time jobs one of which provided a minimal health insurance plan. The small amount of coverage was almost immediately depleted due to the many medical appointments, tests, and subsequent surgeries. Halfway through my treatment plan, in between chemotherapy and radiation therapy, I was laid off the higher paying part-time job. The insurance from the remaining job had not yet reached the dext date of eligiblity. The bills kept coming in. I was on my own.

Fortunately, just previous to my layoff, I became aware of Sense of Security and attended a meeting where I met Angela Ricker. She gave me an information packet that included an application. Within twenty-four hours of the time my application was faxed, i received a personal call from Angela saying that help was on the way. That help included 1 mortgage payment, 2 car payments, 2 grocery gift cards, 2 gasoline gift cards, 1 electricity bill, and 1 natural gas bill. All of this enabled me to conserve and utilize my earnings for mounting medical bills and necessary medications.

My chemotherapy (4 treatments, 3 weeks apart) began January 9, 2004 and ended March 14. I completed my radiation therapy (33 in all) on June 29th [2004]. Thanks to Sense of Security I have a lot less stress in my life. With my surgeries and treatments behind me I now have hope . . . and hair!

God Bless Sense of Security and good luck to the many future recipients. Keep the faith and never give up hope!"

Kim

"Dear Sense of Security,

As a single mom of two teenage daughters and making an annual salary of less than $20,000, health insurance for myself was a luxury I didn’t feel I could afford. Every week was filled with its share of financial worries. I thought, When I can afford it, I will get it.

Does that sound familiar? Well, I found out that disease doesn’t wait until you can afford insurance; it has its own agenda. In May of 2003 I picked up a card at a business expo that said “free mammograms for women who qualify,” but I doubted it was really free. And so I never called, until the day I found my lump.

That September I felt a lump in my breast. Now, besides financial worries, I also had physical worries. There had been many moments in the last few years -with all of the various obstacles I had handled -that death seemed like a lovely option suddenly. I wanted to go to sleep and never wake up. But then all I could think about was that I was not ready to leave my daughters.

As this new world of cancer unfolded, I found out just how much God had truly blessed me with the “free mammogram” card. That card did so much for me. Among the many miracles that transpired, there was Sense of Security.

I filled out the Sense of Security application and returned it, but I also continued to investigate other options. During the next week I found out I had been turned down for food stamps and had missed the deadline to qualify for utility help. I felt so defeated. Then I spoke with Sense of Security.

What a wonderful surprise when they assisted me with my rent and utilities! They were my last hope . . . and they came through with more than I imagined. When I called my sister to tell her about all the assistance I would be receiving, she was amazed and thankful.

Sense of Security was so thorough and had a desire to sincerely help relieve the stress this situation can bring. I don’t know what I would have done without all of the support and peace of mind Sense of Security gave me and my girls.

I would like to convey my sincerest appreciation and thanks to Sense of Security and to all of those who work with this unbelievable organization.

Truly grateful hearted,
Kim Meignein
Colorado Springs"

Andrea

"I want to thank you and Sense of Security so much for helping me through my cancer treatments. The assistance was incredibly essential and vital to my recovery. I was able to take the time my body and mind needed to recover from my cancer and the treatments. Had I not received your generous grants I wouldn't have been able to stay in my home or even remain in Denver for my treatments. The assistance allowed me to not stress too much about money and focus on getting healthy so I could return to teaching."

Sandie

"I am grateful for the help I received from Sense of Security. It is a blessing to have had the opportunity to participate.

I never expected or planned for this medical emergency. But I was surprised that the government and other charities would have helped if I was a single mom or a senior citizen but not a regular middle aged non-married woman.

Even my employer offered a grant but only after I reached foreclosure; then it would have been too late and I would have been homeless.

I look forward to the time I can return the blessing. It may be a couple of years but I will never forget your care for me . . . It was at first so humiliating to be so needy after years of independence, but after the first six months I used all my savings and had to reach out to get help. Sense of Security helpe dme financially and treated me with dignity and respect. Thank you."

Diane

Diane sent us a letter to say thanks:

"I wanted to thank you and your board of directors for the help you gave me these
last six months. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was unemployed and living on the last bit of money I had from savings and IRA accounts. With Sense of Security's help my utilities, car payment, and apartment were paid until I could move in with my son.

You provide such kindness and support! When I go to my support group at Littleton
Hospital I always tell the new people about your service.I would like to volunteer my services to help 'give back.' Do you need volunteer help?"

Diane

Cheryl

"How can I thank an organization that literally helped save my life. On January 2, 2003 I was shocked to find out I had breast cancer. For a person who has never been real sick all of my life, that was quite a shock. I have never been married and do not have any children and right away felt very much alone.

For the first time also in my life I had no insurance, the clinic I had gone to recommended a Medicaid program for breast and cervical cancer in women . . . without insurance, and I was picked up immediately. They have been extremely helpful, and after months of struggling having to quit my full time job because of lack of energy, I was drained.

I tried to get public assistance but for a single woman with no children there is not much in that department. After surgery, 8 chemotherapy treatments and getting ready for 6 1/2 weeks of daily radiation treatments, my Medicaid representative suggested Sense of Security to help me out. You don't know what a relief it was to speak to [Sense of Security] at that time and to find out that your organization would help me out with not one, but two month's rent and extra money for small household items. Thank you all for the help just in time when I needed it the most.

Forever grateful,
Cheryl"

Carrie*

"I just wanted to thank you and Sense of Security for the help and care you gave me and my family during my time dealing with cancer. It was such a relief to have that added help, when our lives were turned upside down.

I have gotten a report that the tumor markers are normal. I praise the Lord for his healing hand. I am feeling back to normal as well.

Once again, thank you so much for your help, and if there is something I can do for your organization, please let me know. Blessings to all of you and your work"

Eva

"Sense of Security has been a Godsend while I have gone through treatment for breast cancer. I feel most blessed to the Lord that your organization is available to help others and me while undergoing this ordeal. You have made my recovery much easier without the financial worry.

For 8 months Sense of Security has helped me stay in my apartment where I felt comfortable while having chemo and radiation treatments. Without the help, I would have had to leave the apartment and would not have a place to live. This was my biggest worry when I found out I had breast cancer and was going to have the long recovery with these treatments.

My treatments are done and I pray the cancer is gone forever. I hope to get back on my feet very soon and I know Sense of Security will be on the top of my list of those to whom I will make contributions. I hope more individuals will be able to use your services in the future and I would like to see that happen.

Thank you Sense of Security. Your help will always be in my heart.

Sincerely,
Eva
Breast Cancer Survivor"

Carole

"Sense of Security allowed me to be ill. After being told I had breast cancer and would need an operation, my job did allow me time off. However, this was at 70% of my regular salary. With my whole paycheck just covering expenses I was quite concerned. I became more and more discouraged, as I called several numbers and was referred to yet another number.

I finally reached Sense of Security! Their affirmative answer was almost immediate. What a relief!

Angela told me she would send the paperwork and start the procedure to help me right away. Although the month was almost over, I receved a King Soopers gift card, which was generous, appreciated and used for several months.

Sense of Security has paid half of my monthly rent from October 2002 through February 2003. This program was aptly named, for I have felt a true sense of security during these hard months of chemotherapy and radiation.

I am truly thankful for this wonderful organization and its support at one of my darkest hours."

Bobbi*

"Dear Sense of Security:
No words are sufficient to say how grateful I am for your help during the biggest challenge of my life. Your name says it all. I rest in my heart, secure that I will recover and my life can soon return to normal . . . or even better! Thank you so very much."

Jeannette

I was planning a trip for my husband and me on a Wednesday night. I was sitting with my oldest daughter on the bed talking so I decided to change into my night clothes and as I pulled my shirt up my right hand hit a lump.

I said to my daughter, "Feel this." She asked, "Man, what is that?!" I told her that I didn't know but I didn't feel it the night before. I was so scared because the two lumps were so hard and both of them felt like golf balls. The next day I called the doctor's office and a few weeks later I learned I had second stage breast cancer. I didn't know what to say or do.

After I had a lumpectomy, I had chemo and radiation and it was a hard time for me. Sense of Security made a big difference in our lives while going through with my illness. I could not work full time and my husband could only pay some of the bills. We thank Sense of Security for helping us with phone, utilities, and food. I was no longer under so much stress because I received your help.

I thank God for bringing me this far. I would like to say to all women and men to do your breast exam each month and you can be a survivor of cancer also. Cancer has changed my whole outlook on life and health. I am a survivor. Thank you, Sense of Security.

Lillian

A letter from Lillian:

"Dear Sense of Security:

I would like to thank your organization for providing me with peace of mind while being treated for breast cancer. Your contributions allowed me to focus solely on regaining my health. All care-givers understand the power of a sense of security in treating seriously ill patients.

Without your help, I would have been uprooted from my home and emotionally devastated, but because of your generous contributions, I was able to look cancer in the eye and say, "I am going to fight you and I have help." Your generosity allowed me to maintain my emotional composure during a time when I was holding on only by a thread.

Sense of Security, thanks again and again, and please keep up the good work as I know now there are plenty of other women out there just like me, fighting breast cancer and needing a rope of hope to hold onto.

Peace and Blessings to All,

Lillian"

Katie*

"Dearest Sense of Security,

The name of your organization is perfect. That is just what you offered me, a sense of security, which allowed me to heal properly through my cancer treatment.

I had no idea how I was going to financially get through this time. Being a single parent and unable to continue working, I was at a loss. You were my miracle.

Thank you very, very much for being there and making my cancer experience a more positive one. My family and 12-year old child also thank you."

*Some names have been changed to protect certain identities and upon request.