A recent letter received by Solano Midnight Sun Foundation from one of our Grant recipients:
"Now that I am near the end of my radiation therapy for breast cancer, I can reflect on the past year and count the many blessings I have received...
The shock of my diagnosis in December 2015 abruptly derailed plans, goals, and everyday living routines - war was declared by cancer, and I had to meet the challenge or, frankly, die. Not only did you provide me with extremely needed funds to assist in climbing costs associated with my cancer battle this year, but you also guided me emotionally, spiritually, and personally. This is the kind of care one expects from best friends and family when one is unable to do it alone, yet you spent precious time working on my behalf with medical billing staff, my pharmacy, and social services staff at NorthBay. At my weakest, you were often my strength - and you made it look easy.
I hope my gratitude is as overwhelming to you as your kindness and generosity is to me and my family. We could not have gone through this year, this season, so well without you."
Another perspective from a social worker who has helped clients to apply for our Grant program:
"Gratitude, appreciation, thankfulness, and joy are some of the feelings I have for the help you have given.
Knowing you have an awareness of the excitement, elation and happiness those who receive your support feel, I'm sure it's nothing compared to what I see. I see it in their eyes and their smile every day. I see it in their gait. I see it in their loved ones. I see it in their success in facing the challenges you have made easier for them to overcome. In addition, what you don't see is the gratitude I feel when the thank me, over and over, for encouraging and supporting them to apply for a grant. You make me look good, but this is not about me. It's about you and your commitment and investment in understanding the needs of those being referred, and the kindness, compassion, and understanding with which you, as the face of the Foundation, give to them. THANK YOU!
To repeat an oft spoken phrase, 'cancer sucks'. The financial, emotional, social/relationship, occupational, and physical consequences are difficult at best, and devastating at worst. Sadly, in way too many cases, their circumstances do not improve. In others, they improve over time. Rarely are they resolved quickly. The help you and the Foundation provide is a great source of comfort, direction, and hope. Your support is priceless!"
