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!