Joan had plans on the calendar—then treatment replaced them.
After finishing six months of chemotherapy for Stage I breast cancer, Joan thought that chapter of her life was over. She was rebuilding herself and her future, excited to move forward, to work, and to feel normal again.
Then, her world tilted all over again when she was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. The cancer had spread to the lining of her brain, her bones, and her lymph nodes. Hearing those words after believing she had already fought and won was heartbreaking. It felt like the ground shifted beneath her; she had just started to feel strong again, and suddenly she was thrust back into emergency treatment, this time with radiation to protect her brain and preserve her life.
The physical and emotional impact has been overwhelming. Radiation leaves Joan with only small windows of energy each day, and the symptoms vary hour by hour. That treatment has made it impossible to work the way she did before, and Joan’s income has dropped significantly at a time when medical expenses are rising fast.
The financial support from BridgeWell Foundation gave her stability during the most difficult season of her life, covering housing costs so she could focus her limited income on essential expenses like food, utilities, and transportation. It allowed her to stay safely housed and focused on healing and eased the heavy weight of financial stress that no cancer patient should have to carry while fighting for their life.
Support from the Foundation not only helped meet basic needs, but it truly helped Joan hold onto stability, dignity, and peace while she continues to fight.
“I am determined to move forward with strength, hope, and faith. I have plans for continued treatment and I am doing everything possible to give myself the best chance at more time, more life, and more healing.”