Martina’s Life Changed Because You Chose Hope

Thank you for giving and believing in people like me. Because of you, I have hope today. My name is Martina, and I want to share how Catholic Charities helped me find hope when I couldn’t see a way forward.

I’m 58 years old, single, and going through HER2-positive breast cancer. Before this, I had never needed help. I’ve always worked hard and taken care of myself. My mother used to tell me, “Don’t put your hand out when you can go get it yourself.” I’ve lived by that all my life. So when my illness forced me to slow down, when the bills piled up and my energy disappeared, it was hard — really hard — to admit I needed help.

I came to Catholic Charities thinking I would just get some assistance with a utility bill. Instead, I found an advocate — and a friend — in Caroline, my case manager at Catholic Charities.

At first, I was skeptical. I wasn’t used to sharing personal things with anyone, let alone asking for help. But Caroline’s kindness broke down my walls. She took the time to sit with me, listen, and help me untangle everything — taxes, insurance, food assistance, disability paperwork. When I ran out of food, she made sure I knew how to apply for help. When my hot water heater broke, she connected me with ministries that helped me keep my home. When I needed a walker, she made it happen.

I was confused and lost and weary, and I’m surprised I didn’t bring Caroline down with the weight of my situation. But she stayed by my side with patience and faith. She gave me more time than our appointments allowed, and she kept reminding me that there was light at the end of the tunnel — even when I couldn’t see it.

Now, I can.

The outcome is seeing the light. I am out of the darkness of the tunnel — it’s only up from here. Now, I can work on my spirit and my physical strength. I can finally focus on me. I’m happy. I know I can make it with so much less than what I had before. I wish I had come to Catholic Charities earlier, but I know I arrived right on God’s time.

It’s still not easy for me to accept charity. I’ve always believed in standing on my own two feet. But now I understand that accepting help doesn’t mean giving up — it means allowing others to be God’s hands in your life. Catholic Charities and the people who support it reminded me that there is goodness in the world, and that faith and love can see us through even the hardest days.

If I could, I would give back to Catholic Charities myself because I’ve seen firsthand what your gift can do. When you give, you’re not just providing assistance; you’re restoring someone’s dignity, faith, and hope. You’re helping people like me find their way out of the darkness.

Thank you for giving — thank you for believing in people like me.

With gratitude,

Martina

Resource and Referral Client