“I learned of Project Access after being diagnosed with breast cancer.  I was devastated with my diagnosis.  I live with my husband and daughter and we did not have the slightest idea of where to go for help and support.  We did not have the means to cover my medical costs and we did not know how to deal with everything required by my cancer treatment.  Feeling that I could receive help and financial assistance from Project Access gave me hope to live. 

After enrolling in Project Access, I was able to see a doctor quickly.  I received medical attention from an oncologist, a breast surgeon, many nurses, and other medical personnel.  Without Project Access, I would not have been able to pay for this treatment.  The Project Access staff have also been very attentive.  When I receive their calls to remind me of my medical appointments, they are always very kind and willing to guide me.  

Before knowing about Project Access, I found myself in an unsustainable state of distress thinking about the possibility of dying with a cancer that does not stop, instead it continues to grow and reproduce.  My mood got better and I felt more hopeful about the future thanks to Project Access.  The difference is immense – I am very thankful for all the staff at Project Access, as well as the people and institutions that collaborate with your program to provide help to people like me who need medical care.

From Heaven to Earth, thank you Project Access.  My family and I feel confident, protected, and supported in this difficult stage of our lives.”

“I had been having problems with my foot for many years.  I was treated for a mass that was very painful.  I had two surgeries, but the doctors were not sure what was causing my problems.  I went to see different doctors, but none were able to help me because they said I needed insurance to get more tests done.  I was very frustrated because I knew that I needed help, but I wasn’t able to get it.  I didn’t have the money then or now to pay for the doctors visits or tests.

I was also going through a difficult time with my marriage.  My wife left and I had to take care of three children.  I felt devastated, but I kept on going because of my children.  While taking care of my kids, my job, and trying to keep going with life, my foot just got worse and worse.  I cried so much out of pain that even customers at my car wash job tried to help me with pain killers.  I missed a lot of days from work.  The pain was so bad that I thought of cutting my foot off.  I just couldn’t take it anymore.  But I kept thinking of my children and how they needed me to work.   

I went to Fair Haven Clinic for help.  I was losing hope and I prayed to God to give me strength to keep going for my kids.  The same day that I left Fair Haven Clinic feeling hopeless was the day that I received a call from Project Access.  I thank God for sending you to save me.  I couldn’t do it anymore.  I couldn’t walk and bear the pain.  The infection on my foot was so advanced that the pus was coming out and burning me.  My foot was so swollen that I went from a size 10 to a 12.  And then you called me and you gave me hope.  

I am happy now – I can go to work and come home and have dinner with my kids.  My doctors told me my foot might stay the same size as it is still swollen, but that’s ok.  The medicine is working and I am no longer in pain.  I have no words to thank you.  You are saviors and I will always be grateful for your help.  If there is anything I could do to pay you back I would.  It has been very difficult for me and feeling better and having no more pain has saved my life.”

“After my breast cancer diagnosis, I went into a state of shock.  It felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and my life was over; I wanted to give up.  I don’t have family nearby and I am separated from my daughter’s father.  All I could think about was my young daughter growing up without her mom.  I did not leave my house for days.  I was in a dark place.  

I do not know how I would have ever gotten treatment without Project Access supporting me.  The staff from Project Access always make me feel like they genuinely care about me and love me.  They helped me get appointments scheduled right away after my diagnosis.  When they call to remind me of appointments, they ask how I’m feeling or if I need anything else.  I really appreciate those calls.  I work part-time at McDonalds and sometimes with treatment, work, and my daughter, I would forget about my appointments.  Project Access is like a personal alarm clock that will not let me forget.  When they call me after my appointments, they take the time to listen to me. 

My doctors have been wonderful and so kind to me.  In the last six months, I have had surgery and radiation therapy and I am scheduled to see my doctor in May to start Tamoxifen.

I have a new view on life.  I feel loved by many people and want to enjoy every day and live it to the fullest.  To anyone who is going through cancer, I would tell them don’t be afraid or try to hide.  Talk to people and ask for help.  Love yourself and your family, be happy and enjoy the moment, those memories will always be with you.  God has gifted us another day to live we have to live it to the max.

“I had been suffering from sinus congestion on an off for many years.  I would take over-the-counter medication and that would help the symptoms for a few days, but then I was stuffy again.  About a year ago, I felt the medication was no longer helping.  I was unable to sleep because I was having trouble breathing.  I had to cut my hours at work because I was so tired and could not breathe.  I went to Fair Haven Clinic for help and my doctor referred me to Project Access.  I was shocked to learn that you could help me to see a specialist.   

Project Access got me an appointment quickly with an ENT.  The staff there have treated me very well and they have been very helpful.  At my first appointment, the doctor told me I would probably need surgery and sent me for a CT scan.  After the scan, he confirmed that I needed surgery and prescribed medicine to help my symptoms while I waited.  Everything has been perfect – I am so happy to have found Project Access.  I am grateful for the calls reminding me of appointments and checking in with me after the appointments.   

Before the surgery my nights were very long – I could not sleep.  After surgery, my life changed.  I have less stress because I can breathe.  I am able to work more and do my usual activities.  I can spend time with my son and do more things with him.  God sent you to help me.  I will always be grateful  for Project Access and the doctors who have helped me.”