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Our Stories


		Danielle Mack is one of those people who faces adversity with tremendous grace. She has been suffering from colon cancer for several years and has been through many uncomfortable surgeries and treatments. Yet, despite her struggles with cancer, Danielle has maintained an aura of serenity and peace. She is an inspiration of strength and faith, and a wonderful example of your United Cancer donations at work.
	Danielle Mack	Back to top
		Virginia Hill is a wonderful example of your United Cancer donations at work. Virginia was first diagnosed with cancer in 2003, and now in 2006 she has lymphoma in her bones. She cares for her husband, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and has had several strokes, and she cares for her adult son who has severe MD. Virginia has a strong faith that shines through when you speak with her. Even with all the challenges in her life, she believes that she is truly blessed and is thankful. Your donations allow United Cancer to help pay for Virginia’s treatment, supplies and medicine...and for that we thank you.
	Virginia Hill	Back to top
		Toni Askew is in treatment for breast cancer and is a example of your donations at work. Toni and her husband run a small business installing garage doors. Toni came with her incredibly cute three year old granddaughter, who wanted to do Tooni's hair throughout our meeting. Toni is facing surgery, chemo and radiation. She was naturally concerned, but after we walked through the Journey Through Treatment planning program, she had a noticeably more confident attitude. Being a small business person, she recognized the principles of the plan and even said that she was surprised that she had not already done more of this herself. Of course, we explained that the emotional impact of being diagnosed with cancer and the whirlwind of activity from the medical community is a great deal to process mentally. She would have thought of these principles on her own, but one of UC's advantages is that we can give her a jump on the learning curve. She said that she is determined to do well in her treatment to be there for her granddaughter.
	Toni Askew	Back to top
		When Destinee was diagnosed with leukemia in 1998, she was only four years old. Treatment went well and the second picture was taken in 2003.
	Destinee Smith	Back to top
		The youngest United Cancer client, Lucas was only two weeks old when he was diagnosed!
	Lucas Fletcher	Back to top
		20 month old Payton was diagnosed with leukema at the end of 2005. He will have chemotherapy once a week for the until the end of 2006. He will also be required to go through radiation therapy due to the disease being in his central nervous system. After the first year he will then have chemotherapy once a month for the next two years. If all continues to go well, he will then be monitored closely until 2010.
	Payton Starzyk	Back to top
		2 year old diagnosed with kidney cancer. Surgery removed her kidney. She finished chemo in December 2004 and is doing great!
	Kalista Drake	Back to top
		Currently in treatment now for breast cancer and is a great example of your donations helping one of your Elkhart County neighbors.
	Stephanie Frandsen	Back to top
		Great News! Gretchen Reverman was referred to UC by her friend Brenda Scott, who is a long time volunteer and runs The Cutting Edge Salon. Gretchen worked for Brenda for several years, then opened her own salon called Innovations Hair Design in the Easy Shopping Place. Gretchen has sent us a email saying that as of January of 2008 she all clear. Even said that everyone loves her short hair. Like most of our clients, Gretchen's treatment has severely reduced her ability to work and UC's financial aid was most appreciated.
	Gretchen Reverman	Back to top
		Having been the provider for most of his life, Glenn Peters in troubled by the prospect of not working during his treatment for lung cancer. Like most cancer patients, Glenn finds the loss of income combined with the out of pocket treatment expense difficult to manage. During his treatment, Glenn would lose his employment and his health insurance, but at that time prospects are very hopeful that his wife will soon be hired into a new job that will provide their much needed insurance. Your donations allow United Cancer to help Elkhart County area cancer patients like Glenn reduce their financial worries, so that they can focus on getting back to good health.
	Glen Peters	Back to top
		Polly Ramer's situation is typical for many senior citizens. Polly has government insurance for seniors called Medicare. However, Medicare does not cover all medical bills, it leaves a portion for the senior to pay out-of-pocket and, Medicare's prescription plan goes a step further. For all patients, Medicare covers 75 percent of the first $2,250 worth of drugs. But after that, coverage drops to zero - and doesn't resume until the patient hits $5,100 in expenses. This gap in coverage is called the donut hole. In about May or June, UC sees and increase in the number of seniors seeking our aid, because they've reached that donut hole in coverage where they have to pay 100% of their pharmaceutical costs.
	Polly Ramer	Back to top