Jessie’s Story

Jessie’s Story of Hope

I had been working hard at my job and was saving up to buy a home when everything seemed to fall apart. I really enjoy working and being active. My daughters often tell me to just take a moment and sit down!

In June of 2024, I was outside washing my car and realized I was having a hard time swallowing. I took a drink of water to help relieve my swallowing, but instead, it completely closed my throat. I went into the house, but no one was there. I tried to spit in the sink, but nothing changed. After coughing, my throat opened up, and then I went to the ER. After some testing, I was told I had esophageal cancer.

I felt devastated at hearing this news. I had been working so hard to purchase my own home, but now all my savings were going to my cancer treatment. I went through radiation and chemo at the same time to fight this cancer. Radiation was every day for three months, and I had chemo treatments one time a week on Wednesdays.

I remember my uncle having esophageal cancer and passing away back in 1997. At the time, I never understood why all he could eat was ice cream. I now know why.

Because of chemo and radiation, there were days when I couldn’t breathe, walk, or talk. I wanted to give up. One day I saw an email come through inviting me to attend a Cancer Care Services spiritual care event. I had doubts about attending the event because I didn’t see how anyone could know what I was going through.

After speaking with Jamie [a Cancer Care social worker], I decided to attend my first event with my niece. This event was a big eye-opener for me. There was a lady who came up and talked to me the entire time. After speaking for many minutes, she told me why she was there and why her husband wasn’t. It was because he was going through the same cancer I had and wasn’t feeling good enough to attend that night. There was also another woman in the room who I overheard speaking, and she had a rough voice like I do. Without even speaking to her, I knew that she was going through the same cancer I had.

I attended a second Spiritual Care event with my daughter, Maria. She was thrilled to see me happy and connecting with others. She also brought her own passion to the event after recently having two young friends pass from their own cancer diagnoses. My daughter Maria is going to volunteer to help with these events. After attending the spiritual care events and connecting with 3-4 people with my same diagnosis, I went home knowing that someone else was going through it like me, and I was able to pray for them and hope that I see them again.

During this time, my truck broke down, and I was receiving transportation assistance from another organization, but their rides ran out. Jamie was able to help me pick up where they left off with Lyft rides. Thinking back, the chemo and radiation were making it where I could barely walk, even with my walker. Even if my truck had been working, I don’t think I could have driven physically. After getting my truck working and more able to drive, Cancer Care was able to assist me with gas cards to get to and from my appointments.

I believe if more people would attend these events and get involved, it would be helpful for them to break the cycle of loneliness and negative thoughts by being able to connect with others.

I’m not sure how I got on Jamie’s email list. It just popped up one day. But throughout my cancer journey, I feel things have fallen into place when needed. Cancer Care Services came to me at exactly the time I needed it.

From the Desk of Becky Williams

From the Desk of…

Becky Williams, MSW

Cancer Care Services’ Vice President of Programs

For as long as I can remember, my passion has been to help others, which has guided my over 15-year career in social work and nonprofit administration. When my husband and I relocated to Fort Worth, I was introduced to Cancer Care Services during a mission tour with a friend who had recently lost her husband to cancer.

As I walked through Cancer Care’s vibrant and welcoming space, I saw the deep care and community that surrounded my friend as she grieved an unimaginable loss. She spoke of how Cancer Care had been a lifeline for her during her caregiving journey. Seeing the organization’s mission in action left a lasting impression on me.

Four years ago, I was honored to join Cancer Care as a fundraiser, working to raise the funds that provide life-changing resources for our clients. From financial assistance and healthcare navigation to social connection activities and camps, the generosity of our donors has transformed countless lives.

Now, I am thrilled to transition into the role of Vice President of Programs, returning to the implementation side of our mission. I’m honored to collaborate with our compassionate program team, whose tireless advocacy ensures clients receive the help and hope they need at every stage of their journey.

As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Through the combined efforts of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and generous donors, we can provide the resources and services that make such a meaningful difference in the lives of clients.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to be a place clients can turn to for support and guidance through the complexities of cancer care. As we continue to serve Tarrant County and beyond, I am committed to ensuring that every dollar entrusted to us maximizes the impact of this vital work.

To our donors, thank you for making this work possible. Together, we are not just a resource; we are a community standing beside those facing one of life’s toughest challenges. I am excited about what lies ahead and grateful for the opportunity to further this incredible mission.

Pastor Soto’s Story

Pastor Soto’s Story of Hope Transcript:

The way I learned that I had cancer was because on Christmas day, we had supper, and after that, I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t go to the restroom.

On the 27th, I felt really bad. I told my wife, take me to the hospital. And when I got admitted there, I thought it was my stomach.

The doctor comes out, and my wife is there with me, and he came out and said, “Mr. Soto, the masses we found are malignant. You’re stage four cancer. It’s metastasized. It went from your colon to your liver and now it’s in your lungs, and you got six months to live.” He just bluntly said it like that.

Not being able to drive, not having that independence, it’s very difficult. Through everything I’ve been through, I actually have valued my wife. When I first got diagnosed, people told her, quit your job. You know, give him a hundred percent of your time.

She’s like, I can’t. Maybe family members or friends can come help me, but I need to maintain my income – this income that helps us.

Also, the hardest part for me, I think looking back, was when she’d go – when she’d go buy groceries I was always the one that took the bags. I was the one that went with her and never let her carry anything. Not because she couldn’t, but that was me.

This was why to see her struggling with the bags, and I couldn’t even help her; that was hard for me. To see her clean the house, and I couldn’t even get up to help her. To see her cook, and I couldn’t even get up that I was shaking so much. I was so cold. And to see them look at me like, ah, he might be gone. I was fighting inside going, this is not it. I’m not leaving like this.

It changes everything. Your perspective, your ego, you become more humble. You become more sensitive to other people.

Before I got cancer, I never knew who Cancer Care was. It was not just paying for my medications, but it was more about embracing you and saying,” Hey, you’re not alone. I’m not just here to provide services. We’re here to tell you if you need anything, we’re here for you.” I can actually say that when I most needed it, that’s when you all were there.

But it got to the point where I started feeling much better where I could now cook for myself. The neuropathy became less. The church people would come and bring us food. When I started feeling that instead of taking advantage of the services, somebody else might need it more than I do.

And when I would go to oncology, and I knew these people didn’t even have to pay for their colostomy bags, and they didn’t have the resources. They didn’t have any family; they didn’t have a church family or anything. I thought, nah, I can’t be selfish. I gotta let go of what has been good for me, but now somebody else might benefit more, so I would tell them about Cancer Care.

That made me feel bad, but now I was giving back somehow. That is my goal before I leave, and I could be here six months, I could be here a year, I could be here 10 years, but till my last breath, I will always be there to help somebody.

You all were the ones that made me realize you can’t be prideful. You cannot just be a giver. You sometimes gotta receive because the Bible says it’s better to give than to receive, but there’s times you’re gonna have to. And that humbled me. It really did.

Once I’m okay, maybe I could pay it back. That’s why I’m doing this video. This is my way of payback because I want everybody to know that they’re not alone.

Crystal and Carvel’s Story

Crystal and Carvel’s Story of Hope Transcript

Crystal (00:13)

I was having mammograms every six months, and I say, about a year and a half later they told me that it had changed, and I got a biopsy done. And that’s when I found out I had cancer.

Carvel (00:27)

What’s gonna happen to my mother? My mom is my whole world. It was a hard conversation. And right then and there is when I decided I needed to take on more responsibility.

Crystal (01:06)

Going through cancer treatment. It, it negatively affected Carvel the most because he’s the oldest, and he understood what was going on.

You know, when you’re going through cancer, you’re not going through it alone. The people who are there and care for you, they’re going through it with you.

He had to learn how to do hair for his little sister. It looked crazy, but it was done. And he had to help take his autistic brother to therapy. He had to step in and shoot basically grow up.

Carvel (01:08)

It never felt like a job to me.

Crystal (01:12)

He’s just a – he’s an amazing human being

Carvel (01:35)

Going through this before Cancer Care and not knowing anyone who dealt with cancer care or treatments. So I was depressed. My mom was depressed. We were – we felt very alone and isolated from everyone else. We felt like we weren’t normal. We felt like we were dealing with something that only we were dealing with.

Crystal (02:00)

I didn’t know basically what the Cancer Care services were. It’s nice because with everything going on, the appointments, the medications, the chemo, radiation, just everything you’re going through during the time of treatment, you’re constantly at doctor’s appointments. Then when you go home, you have work to do at home, you know?

Carvel (02:15)

Yeah. It caused a lot of stress for me. And when I was stressed, it caused stress for my mother. So, I had to seek help. And that’s when she told me about, um, Cancer Care and I was like, let’s do it. Let’s take that step.

Crystal (02:32)

If you need any help with any type of prescriptions or if you are behind on a bill, hey, we have emergency funds to assist with that and so it is very helpful when you have someone there to help you navigate through everything.

Carvel (03:20)

Well, my experience as a Camper, it was actually like a bright moment. I would say. It was like a breath of relief because when I was able to share my moments with other people who also went through it at CampCARE, I was like, I’m not alone in this.

Cancer Care is a great big family. That night away, that was like a night where I didn’t have any stress. I didn’t have to think about work. I didn’t have to think about prescriptions, and I didn’t have to think about treatment. I was just purely having fun for one night. And Cancer Care can take that load off my back.

You don’t have to deal with this alone. You can come over with us, me and my mom, and we can go over to Cancer Care together, and we can get the help that you need.

Cancer Care is gonna be there every single step of the way, and we will too ’cause we’re part of Cancer Care now.

What is North Texas Giving Day?

If you’ve been seeing the yard signs and social media posts, you may be wondering, “What is North Texas Giving Day?“

North Texas Giving Day is an annual day of philanthropy that mobilizes thousands of individuals to support local North Texas nonprofits, fostering community engagement and driving positive change. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to contribute to a cause that provides critical support to those in need, North Texas Giving Day is an ideal opportunity. Cancer Care Services has participated in North Texas Giving Day for over 10 years!

What is North Texas Giving Day?

North Texas Giving Day is an online giving extravaganza that typically takes place in September. Organized by the Communities Foundation of Texas, it’s the largest community-wide giving event in the nation. This day brings together donors, nonprofits, and volunteers to spotlight the incredible work done by North Texas organizations and encourages charitable giving.

Here’s how it works: During the event, individuals can make donations to their favorite participating nonprofits through a central online platform. In addition, there are opportunities for matching funds and prizes that further amplify the impact of your contribution.

Why Support Cancer Care Services?

Cancer Care Services provides essential support services to individuals and families affected by cancer. We offer financial, emotional, and practical support programs, including financial assistance, transportation services, and emotional support. Your North Texas Giving Day donation means no one has to cope with cancer alone.

How to Give to Cancer Care Services on North Texas Giving Day:

1. Mark Your Calendar: North Texas Giving Day is on September 19, 2024. Early Giving starts on September 1, 2024!

2. Visit the Giving Day Website: On the day of the event (or starting September 1), go to Cancer Care Services’ North Texas Giving Day page.

3. Make Your Donation: Follow the prompts to make your donation. You can choose to make a one-time gift or set up recurring donations. Every dollar helps, and your contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference for families coping with cancer.

4. Spread the Word: Use your social media platforms to encourage friends and family to participate. Share Cancer Care Services’ mission and your personal reasons for supporting them. The more people who know about the event and the cause, the greater the collective impact. North Texas Giving Day is all about engaging your community!

5. Stay Connected: After the event, stay engaged with Cancer Care Services. Follow our social media and sign up for our e-newsletter to see the impact of your donation!

North Texas Giving Day is a celebration of generosity and community spirit. By supporting Cancer Care Services, you’re not just making a donation; you’re creating hope for those grappling with the challenges of cancer. Join the North Texas Giving Day movement to walk alongside cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

Celebrating National Volunteer Month

Happy National Volunteer Month!

Did you know our caring volunteers have already dedicated over 370 hours to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer since January? From spreading smiles at our therapeutic social events (a.k.a our Connect Program) to being a friendly face in Texas Oncology’s infusion area, our volunteers create help and hope wherever they are.

We are celebrating a very special ‘volunteer’ this month, or should we say ‘volunteers’? Congratulations to the TCU Pre-Health Institute for receiving Cancer Care’s top volunteer award during Volunteer Appreciation Month! This group of volunteers has consistently dedicated their time to making a HUGE impact in uplifting cancer patients, survivors, and their families – while pursuing their degrees in healthcare.

Max, a TCU Pre-Health student who volunteers at our Connect events, said, “The opportunity to pour joy into these kids’ lives is not only a blessing, but it’s also a two-way street. The love you give here is returned tenfold and it’s always the highlight of my weeks.”

Another TCU Pre-Health student who dedicates their time to Cancer Care said, “I enjoy volunteering with Cancer Care Services because I know I am helping to make a direct impact on the lives of the children and families you all work with. The small part we play in spending time with the kids and families means so much to me personally, especially when I talk to the parents, and they express just how much of a difference we make for them.”

Thank you to the TCU Pre-Health Institute and all of our amazing volunteers for the care and compassion you give to our families!

If you are interested in becoming a Cancer Care Services volunteer, fill out your application today.

2023 Highlights and Impact

We are proud to announce our 2023 Impact Report – a testament to the commitment of our supporters, volunteers, and staff! Last year, over 3,500 cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors received crucial support services at no cost to them. A few 2023 highlights:

$463,545 provided in direct financial assistance
73% of adults who completed counseling felt less distress
36% increase in clients who used transportation assistance to get to and from treatment
572 months of health insurance premiums were paid, enabling clients to receive treatment

“It would definitely be detrimental to the community to lose access to Cancer Care Services because it is so comprehensive and wellrounded. [Cancer Care] is access for the whole family, not just the patient, which is so important…because it’s not just the patient who is sick – it’s the whole family.”

– Erica, Cancer Survivor & Caregiver

Cancer Care’s 2023 Impact Report

View the 2023 Impact Report below (or click here to view the PDF) to learn more about the financial, emotional, and practical services that brought help & hope in 2023. Don’t forget to scan the QR Code on the front to learn about the impact of our social workers or view the video here!

Kayla’s Story

Kayla’s Story of Hope Transcript:

Being a cancer patient, it’s cancer 24/7 because even if you’re feeling good, you’re thinking about it. It’s in your head, you know; it’s in your spirit.

Before cancer, my life was like– pretty much busy. I had my three little kids and my husband. I did notice I was tired all the time, and I suffered a lot from fibromyalgia, so I thought– in this neck area. So, my life was really being impacted before, and I didn’t know it.

I was actually sick with COVID, and I was taking a little bit longer to recover. I was having breathing problems, so we ended up going to the Emergency. When they did the scan of my chest, they did notice a mass higher up in my throat.

And so the doctor was pretty sure that it was only going to be a two-hour surgery. My surgery ended up being 6.5 hours. He knew right away that it was for sure cancer.

When I woke up from surgery, them being like, “Okay, well, you had cancer, but now you don’t,” it was just a rush of emotions because I didn’t know whether to be sad or scared or okay, now relieved because, well, it’s out now! So, it was just a lot to take in.

I think I actually found Cancer Care online. I ended up calling and immediately got connected to a social worker. Usually, you call when you need help anywhere, and, you know, you’re on a waitlist, or you’ve got to wait a while, or apply and all this. Cancer Care was on it and was like, “Yes, we can help you with this, this, this, this, so it all just moved really quickly.

The overall best help was counseling! And then my husband was able to get counseling, which, first of all, was amazing because I think the whole “cancer” thing affected him more than it affected me. He was able to get that counseling after hours.

As a mother, I don’t want to be crying at home or angry at home, you know, where the kids could see, so Cancer Care really provides that safe space where you can just talk about whatever is going on.

Everybody has different cancers, and everybody’s affected in different ways, but at the same time, it’s really relatable, and you understand each other and what you’re going through. Almost exactly to the year, I had another CT scan, and they found a mass again.

They were pretty for sure it was cancerous since I had just had it the year before. To be honest, I got in my van, and I let it out. I bawled my eyes out, I cried, had a chat with God. And mainly because the first time, I didn’t do that. I had more time to process it.

Cancer Care is absolutely phenomenal. It’s been a real blessing to not only me but to my husband and my children. It’s been an absolute necessity for me to be able to go through this.

Transcribed by: Kirbi T.

Jessie’s Story of Hope

From the Desk of…

Becky Williams, MSW

Cancer Care Services’ Vice President of Programs

Pastor Soto’s Story of Hope Transcript:

Crystal and Carvel’s Story of Hope Transcript

A Special Story of Hope from Teen Retreat 2024

What is Cancer Care’s Teen Retreat?

What is North Texas Giving Day?

Why Support Cancer Care Services?

How to Give to Cancer Care Services on North Texas Giving Day:

What’s happening at CampCARE 2024?

Happy National Volunteer Month!

Cancer Care’s 2023 Impact Report

Kayla’s Story of Hope Transcript: