Brittanie's Story

Coupled with a frightening diagnosis, medical expenses can be one of the most trying parts of coping with a catastrophic illness. This was certainly true for wife and mother Brittanie.
In 2020, at just 24 years old, Brittanie was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. After undergoing intensive chemotherapy and numerous operations, Brittanie was happy to report she was cancer-free. However, the onslaught of procedures depleted her both mentally and physically.
“I was extremely stressed,” Brittanie said. “Even after all my treatments were over, the financial stressors were still there. I also was not able to work from the lingering effects of chemotherapy.” Feeling the weight of these heavy financial burdens, Brittanie contacted Catholic Charities. “I was extremely depressed, coming to terms with the fact that I was not able to work, no matter how hard I wanted to,” Brittanie said. “I remember being at my wit’s end. I was desperate for any kind of help.”
Through Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Assistance Program, Brittanie’s family received vital help with rent and utility bills. Brittanie said these services provided a sigh of relief to her young family. “Catholic Charities went above and beyond for me,” Brittanie said. “After I received assistance, my situation changed tremendously. I was not having to stress about how the bills would be paid or sending my son to daycare so I could go to appointments. My expectations were met and exceeded.”
For Brittanie, the support she received from Catholic Charities signifies a life-saving hope. “Hope to me represents being at the lowest point of your life, and there are still people in this world that are going to be there that next day to help you, and to say you are strong, a fighter, and can do this.” To learn more about the Financial and Housing Assistance program, visit ccnks.org/financial