Help A Social Worker Fight Cancer & Stay in Her Home

Help a Lifelong Social Worker Fight Cancer & Stay in Her Home

After decades of service, she now faces cancer and financial hardship.

Her Story

My friend Cathy is a 68-year-old single woman living in Iowa. For over 20 years, she has lived in her modest two-bedroom home—a place filled with memories and comfort.

Cathy has spent her life in service to others. With degrees in Sociology and Psychology from Iowa State University, she worked for 40 years as a social worker. Much of that time was devoted to nonprofit organizations, developing programs for individuals with disabilities across the state. To her, it wasn’t just a job—it was a calling.

She also supported her older brother, John, who was on the autism spectrum. Cathy remained deeply involved in his life, helping manage his complex health needs until his passing in 2007. For the last eight years of his life, John lived independently in a supported apartment setting, where he found confidence and freedom. Their shared journey inspired Cathy to write a book titled Precisely John: A Journey of Autism, Love, Laughter, and Faith.

In every chapter of her life, Cathy has focused on creating opportunities for others and helping people through their struggles. Now, she faces a struggle of her own—and she needs help to get through it.

Life’s Challenges

In 2010, Cathy was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis—a life-altering condition that impacted how she lived and worked. Despite the diagnosis, she remained determined to stay independent. She continued her career for another decade, focusing on program development and staff training.

In February 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cathy lost her job of 30 years due to a workplace merger. Like many older adults, she found it difficult to secure new full-time employment, particularly with ongoing health challenges. Still, she adapted.

Cathy found part-time work to supplement her retirement income. With careful budgeting, she was able to maintain her home and cover her basic living expenses. She managed—until now.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

In April 2025, Cathy received a life-altering diagnosis: anal cancer. Her doctors have recommended an intensive treatment plan, which includes six to eight weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy. Fortunately, the cancer appears to be localized—giving her a strong chance of recovery.

However, the treatment will likely prevent Cathy from working for at least two to three months. During this time, she will need help not only with daily tasks like cleaning, groceries, laundry, and personal care, but also with covering essential living costs.

Even with Medicare, the out-of-pocket healthcare expenses will be significant. Cathy has done everything she can to prepare financially, but this situation exceeds what she can manage on her own.

Why Cathy Needs Your Help

Over the past year, Cathy has supplemented her retirement income with part-time work to meet her basic needs. However, due to the intensity of her upcoming cancer treatments, she is not expected to be able to continue working during the two months of radiation and chemotherapy. Her doctors estimate it may take at least an additional month after treatment for her to heal enough to return to work.

To relieve the financial strain during this time, Cathy is seeking support to cover the following:

Out-of-pocket medical and over-the-counter expenses: $9,000

Home and basic living expenses: $6,000

Total request: $15,000

Why This Matters

Cathy’s home is more than just a place to live: It represents her independence, resilience, and the life she has worked so hard to build. Even as health challenges mounted, she remained committed to maintaining her home on her own.

Throughout her life, Cathy has taken pride in being self-sufficient. But cancer has forced her into a situation where she can no longer do it alone. Without support, the financial burden of treatment could leave her thousands of dollars in debt, potentially forcing her to sell her home and relocate.

Your generosity would lift a tremendous weight during this difficult time. It would allow Cathy to focus on healing, without the added stress of losing her home or being forced to drastically upend her life in the midst of recovery.

Her Hope

Cathy’s greatest hope is to complete her treatment, become cancer-free, and regain her health. She dreams of continuing to live independently and finding new ways to thrive in her senior years.

After a lifetime of service to others, Cathy now finds herself in the position of asking for help. Every contribution—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference. If you're able to donate, she is deeply grateful. And if you can share her campaign with others, that support means just as much.

Cathy is profoundly thankful for your time, your consideration, and any support you’re able to give during this challenging chapter in her life.