Miracles in the Making: Grant Recipient Monique Sallette

Vivacious Monique is a 34 year old mother of 3 from Georgia. She has her handful as a single mom with 3 beautiful children aged 17, 15, and 11! 

Monique was originally diagnosed with colon cancer in 2013. She had 12 treatments of chemotherapy that lasted for about 6 months. She had a colostomy bag and had it removed when she was declared cancer free at the end of 2013. 

She had been feeling symptoms again in May of this year and followed up with her surgeon after having a "flare up" in June. She has been diagnosed again with colon cancer but this time stage 4B. We are clinging to hope and sending prayers! 

We were able to catch Monique up to speed on her overdue electrical bills and pay 2 months of rent for her. We are praying for you Monique!

Miracles in the Making: Grant Recipient Arianne McAllister

This sweet precious Mama from the East Coast is our latest and greatest grant recipient.
Arianne is 36 years old and a mom of a four year old boy.

She had been misdiagnosed for over 3 years before she was finally diagnosed with colon cancer in November of 2013. At the time of her diagnosis with a CT scan, they found a tumor in her colon and 9 spots that had already spread to her liver.

Arianne began chemotherapy after she was diagnosed last Fall. She had to stop treatment this Spring in order to take care of some surgeries and necessary procedures. She is scheduled to begin chemo again in late October. 

This incredible woman is attempting to restart her life. She's wanting to start over, especially for her son. MMCCF was able to help her out with one month's rent and down payments for her utilizes for her new apartment.

We are thinking and praying for you forever friend as you encroach upon treatment again!

Miracles in the Making: Grant Recipient Karena Barton

Meet this sweet and spunky East Coaster, Karena!

"This is a picture of me trying on my new wig & styling it for first time. Not bad looking as a red head. Surprising what a curling iron & make up can do. Brought a cancer patient back to life!" -Karena

Karena is a 39 year old Maryland resident diagnosed with rectal cancer. She was originally diagnosed in April 2012 with stage 3 rectal cancer after a long battle with stomach issues. She passed her symptoms off as stomach bug because she was cramping and continually running to the bathroom over the winter. When her symptoms didn't subsided after the season, she was sent home from work to go to the doctor due to blood in her stools in March 2012.  Her doctor thought it could be menstrual issues and prescribed her ibuprofen. Her symptoms continued to worsen... she was given the opportunity to have a colonoscopy but her doctor didn't want to burden her with the bill but told Karena to come back if her symptoms got worse. (Karena originally had avoided the doctor to the financial burdens... but now she is SO proactive about her health and others; she would tell anyone now - "Don't wait! Go to the doctor!") 

Well, they got worse. She told her mom "I am dying!" She went back a few weeks later and was diagnosed on April 25 through a colonoscopy.  She immediately started chemotherapy and radiation. Later, Karena had to have surgery for an ostomy. They ended up having to do TWO ostomies on her. She was so sick this first year, she got down to 95 pounds. 

She had a PET scan and CT scan done this year which revealed 2 spots, one on each lung. These spots at metastasized from her original cancer. For which she had a thoracotomy on June 3rd 2014, where they removed half of her left lung. She has just restarted chemotherapy to try and shrink the other lung tumor and may have to have surgery to remove it. 


Through all of this, Karena has been an incredible mom of 2 boys! Her and her husband work to care for a 12 year old and a 16 year old with Asperger's. The boys have been helpful but also challenging in this time of her life. They are able to have outlets through karate and programming at the YMCA. 

Karena still is trying to work part time but it can be very difficult for her. MMCCF was able to grant Karena and her family, one month of their mortgage, one month of electricity, and a gift card for gas to get her to her multiple appointments and chemotherapy treatments! Karena had said, "The grant will help me continue to live!" 

"Share my story... if one more life gets saved from this horrible disease, it will all be worthwhile! Thanks Meredith's Miracles for all you do! Love, Karena"

Miralces in the Making: Grant Recipient Stacey Aragon

Learn a little bit about Stacey! 

She is a 36 year old living in Michigan.  She was first diagnosed with colon cancer when she was 28 and was re-diagnosed with Stage 3 in May 2013. She also has a history of anemia and health problems related to that. Due to her health issues, she is unable to work.

Here is a sweet letter from Stacey...

"Last Spring, it was confirmed that my colon cancer had returned.  I was rushed to get a blood transfusion, shortly after which I had medi-port placement surgery in my chest.  Within the mere days that followed, I also started chemotherapy at the local cancer center, and continuous pump infusions at home.  I had too many doctors appointments to count.  And, I spent most of my time in-between treatments recovering from chemo and its side-effects.  I was far too weak and in way too much pain to be able to work, and my husband couldn't find a potential employer willing to work around my medical schedule. 


We were already in debt from my original diagnosis.  So, it has become an even greater challenge just getting by day-to-day.  We've had to borrow more money and use more credit, to eat, pay bills, fuel our car, cover insurance, and so on.  But, after an especially rough few months, we weren't sure how we were going to be able to afford groceries or car insurance after the bills were paid.  It was going to take a miracle to pull us through, and then ~ the miraculous happened!  Meredith's Miracles Colon Cancer Foundation called me to let us know that I would be receiving a grant, which would help us pay for one month of rent and utilities plus two months of car insurance...something that, we'll be forever grateful for.  Thank you for granting us a miracle, helping us pull through, and reminding us why it's so important not to give up hope <3
-Stacey A."

Miracles in the Making: Grant Recipient Cassandra Hodgen

Meet our northern friend Cassie Hodgden!

Cassie is a 36 year old wife and mother living in Minnesota.  Her family has relocated from the city to the country to be closer to her mother and in-laws so she can have help with her children. She has 3 children of her own and 4 step-children.  What a strong woman! Cassie's sister was diagnosed with colon cancer and found out that it was genetic. Cassie went through testing for colon cancer since her sister had been diagnosed, which is how she discovered that she herself  had colon cancer. Cassie had no symptoms of her own but was being proactive for her health since her sister had been diagnosed! We love that about Cassie! Many lives can be saved from colon cancer if we encourage our family members to get screened!

Since being diagnosed with colon cancer, she had her entire colon removed. She ended up having to be hospitalized for 2 weeks due to complications. Cassie has also been diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, which is a heredity disorder that leads to increased risk of developing many types of cancer.  Cassie has to travel 2 hours to her doctor appointments in the city multiple times per month. She is thankful that she is still able to work as a photographer but she is working to build a new client base out in the country of Minnesota.

What beautiful babies!!!

Another fun fact that MMCCF just adores about Cassie is that she suggested that our grant recipients have a community where they can connect with others just like them! With her encouragement, we just started a new facebook group for specifically OUR MMCCF grant recipients to connect, encourage, and grow with each other! We hope that this may benefit our MMCCF friends! <3 Thank you Cassie!!

Miracles in the Making: Grant Recipient Marcie Wiley

Y'all meet this precious woman, Marcie.

Marcie started to have some troubles with her bowels. Her doctor found that she had several hemorrhoids. While Marcie was in surgery to remove these hemorrhoids, the surgeon found that her condition was much more serious than originally anticipated. She was diagnosed with colon cancer and started treatment immediately.

As Marcie battles her colon cancer diagnosis and undergoes treatment, she is living away from her family, who live in a different state. She is unable to work at this time due to her treatment schedule. Marcie has been through the grind to find organizations who can help her and she found Meredith's Miracles. We were able to help her out with one month of rent and one month of her car payment to help her battle seem just a slight bit easier!

Blessings to you Marcie! Keep on pushing on! 

Miracles in the Making: Grant Recipient Joe Smith

Joe Smith has Stage 4 colon cancer. He was diagnosed this past June while his wife Kristina was 7 months pregnant with their son. This wonderful young family of three currently resides in Missouri.
    

Joe wasn't having any symptoms other than tiredness and heartburn.  He went to the doctor due to the urging of friends because he had "bad color."  Upon discovery of his cancer, Joe's entire colon was removed. They also discovered that his cancer at metastasized to his liver. Joe is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Although his wife continues to work as a teacher and a coach, Joe is unable to work. 

Kristina said they are always the ones giving the help and that it has been extremely humbling to have to accept help from friends and family. Kristina said they are having to swallow their pride. Kristina said they rely on God to get them through each day. She said their faith is everything to them.  Instead of asking "why us?," the Smith family looks at it as "why is it us, that so many people have helped us and reached out to us and been so kind to?"  Their perspective and outlook is inspiring.  


Because Kristina is working, they are right above the cut-off for Missouri to receive any type of help yet are struggling to get by.  We were able to help out the Smith family by paying for the rest of Baby Boy Smith's daycare for this year!  


Here are some sweet words from Kristina in emails between our grant committee:
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts, we are so appreciative of the miracle that was bestowed upon us. I just cannot begin to thank you enough for what a miracle this truly is. We would never begin to be able to say thank you enough to you, your foundation, or the legacy of Meredith you are spreading in this world. Thank you, to each and everyone of you, who decided we were worthy of this miracle. It is sometimes on the hardest days, that God sends the most beautiful angels to our lives. Thank you for being one of ours!! Thanks, Kristina

Keep on living your faith Smith Family! Thanks for being an incredible inspiration. 

MMCCF Annual Golf Classic 2014

Meredith's Miracles Annual Golf Classic is on May 31, 2014!

The Legendary Run Golf Course in Cincinnati, Ohio will be hosting the event again this year.

Registration begins at 12:00 PM

Shotgun start at 1:00 PM
Dinner following at 6:00 PM

Golf Partner: $125 registration includes:
-18 hole round of golf with cart
-Player gift bag
-Dinner

Dinner Party-only Partner: $35

REGISTER HERE

Sign up for a great time! We are so excited about this year! Let's go golf!

Miracles in the Making: Grant Recipient Heather Roberts

Here's to highlight one of our March grant recipients, sweet Heather Roberts!

Heather had been having issues with her gastrointestinal system for quite some time before she was diagnosed with colon cancer. However, she was sent to a GI surgeon early because her mother had passed away from colon cancer. [Have we mentioned how greatly genetic colon cancer is?] 

She was unable to have a full colonoscopy performed due to an obstruction. She was sent directly to the emergency room and ended up having her entire colon removed as well as her small bowels. Three masses were found on Heather's liver, which she had to have resected. Heather is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. However, she lost her job and subsequently her insurance THE day after her FIRST chemo treatment. Heather also has two sons that live with her. 

MMCCF was able to pay a couple months of her mortgage and car payments for this amazing women!!

Miracles in the Making: Grant Recipient Aaron Barnette

One of our recent grant recipients Aaron is a 27 year old gentleman that lives in South Carolina with his beautiful wife and two adorable sons.  He used to work in a facility as a shipping and receiving manager.  Aaron currently is on disability due to his medical condition.  

Aaron was living a normal life until last summer when he began having stomach pains. He visited the Emergency Room twice with stomach pains. After the second visit,  doctors misdiagnosed him with Crohn's disease, which can be commonly discovered in your twenties.  During his stay in the hospital, his colon ruptured. Since Aaron had a positive family history for colon cancer, his doctors elected to perform a colonoscopy. Aaron has lost his mother to colon cancer.  They found several polyps in his colon and ended up medically inducing him into a coma.  Aaron now has a temporary ostomy bag and has undergone over 5 rounds of chemotherapy.

We were able to help Aaron and his family by granting one month's rent and car payment to help relieve some financial concerns that can come along with the diagnosis of cancer.
Blessings to this sweet family! Keep on fighting Aaron!

Miracles in the Making: Grant Recipient Charlandria Kidd

 Here is the story of one of our past grant recipients and her battle with cancer. She has utilized her diagnosis and story to start her own campaign, cancer is No Match For My GOD + Me. She is full of strength and power!

My name is Char Kidd, and I am a conqueror of cancer. Originally I was diagnosed with hemorrhoids, and I suffered with excruciating and unbearable pain during 2011. I constantly visited doctors’ offices because the treatments were not working. One year passed and I received the diagnosis of cancer on March 1, 2012 after undergoing a colonoscopy. As one can imagine, receiving the information of having stage III colon cancer at the age of 37 sent me into a state of shock, disbelief, and questioning God as to why this was happening to me. All in all, on March 1 2012 I made the conscious decision to fight for my life. A few weeks later after cancer was confirmed, I came across Meredith’s Miracles website. During my first week of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I applied to Meredith’s Miracles for assistance. I was granted a miracle! Meredith’s Miracles made it possible for me to get back and forth to treatments for 8 weeks by providing me with a gas card and making my car payment for 3 months. They assisted me with other very important bills as well.  I am truly grateful to God that I was able to connect with this foundation!

October 25, 2013 marked the 1-year anniversary of when cancer was removed from my body. Kingdom Inspired and Divinely Delivered, my campaign, “cancer is No Match For My GOD + Me” was birthed after I took a Private Prayer and turned it into a Public Proclamation to inspire other cancer patients, survivors, and their families that they can and will win their battles against cancer. I really considered these words in my mind. I accepted them to be true in my heart, "cancer is No Match For my GOD + Me."  I adopted these words as my personal slogan while fighting cancer. It was a long and rough journey. Through chemo and radiation treatments, surgery to remove the tumor, and another round of chemo this message was imprinted in my mind. It became a part of the fabric of my being. I believed I was going to BEAT cancer, and I did! I do not look like the things I have been through, and it is by the grace of GOD. Look at me, I have been through a lot, I have some scars, but I'm still here.  I'm the living proof.  I'm well and cancer-free because He kept me. My mission is to Educate, Encourage, and Empower individuals affected by cancer, and I have designed t-shirts and other merchandise with my slogan on them. One of my future aspirations is to change healthcare policy concerning the lack of coverage for cancer patients. Through all of my endeavors I realize with Jesus Christ at the center of my life He causes me to triumph in all things. Visit Char Kidd online at www.charkidd.com to learn more about me and my journey. Connect with me on Twitter @charkidd1 as well.

Again, this was the most trying time of my life and because of the miracle granted to me by Meredith’s Miracles I was better equipped to fight for my life against cancer.

Sincerely,

Char Kidd

Kingdom Inspired. Divinely Delivered.