Cathis is my only sibling, and we’ve always shared a special bond as mountain girls from Asheville, NC. After nearly 40 years in the Radio & Broadcasting industry, Cathis retired in January 2024, looking forward to a well-deserved rest and new adventures. Sadly, just a few months into retirement, she was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer which has now advanced to stage 4, and has been diagnosed as terminal. It’s been a heartbreaking turn for someone who has given so much to her community regarding radio broadcasting. Obtaining her degree in 1980 from Shaw University in Radio Television & Broadcasting then 2 years later receiving her Master's in Communication from NCCU. She has worked at various universities such as Shaw University, Virginia State University, Howard University, Bethune-Cookman College, and Gaston College in Belmont, NC where she retired from. She is well known and loved by many who have worked with her or learned from her expertise.

She currently lives in Belmont, NC which is about 2.5 hours from where I live in Durham, NC. Her only child Chinua (Noah), lives nearby and does all he can to help. Our 94-year-old mother still lives in Asheville, and is the last one living out of 10 siblings. While our family is close-knit, the distance and Cathis’s health challenges make things difficult. She isn’t eligible for Medicaid, there are very few resources that are available, and the cost of at-home care can be overwhelming. Gaston County DSS stated that there is a 3-5 year waiting list for an in-home aide through their program which doesn't require Medicaid, and even Meals-on-Wheels in her area has a 3 year waiting list. Noah works full-time and cares for his mom after work, but during the day Cathis is often left alone and unable to manage on her own due to her illness, and the cost of at home care is very expensive.

We’re hoping to raise enough to provide Cathis with a home health aide at least two to three times a week to help with her personal needs, and household chores. This support would not only give Cathis the care she deserves, but also offer Noah some much-needed relief. Any help—whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser—would mean the world to our family. Thank you for your kindness and support.

Sincerely,

Patsy