It Takes a Village
As 1in9 approaches our one year anniversary – we reflect on our year of experiences & triumphs. Every week, 1in9 met new ladies and these women shared stories of their unique medical, family & financial situations. Each of our 1in9 ladies have ONE thing in common… each one inspires & compels us to continue 1in9’s mission. One example involves one of our first clients, and now a friend, Ronda…..
One year ago, Ronda’s diagnosis of breast cancer came unexpectedly. She was married with a young baby boy. Both she and her husband had stable jobs with medical insurance. But the months following Ronda’s diagnosis became a whirlwind of chemotherapy treatments & side effects followed by a double mastectomy. Shortly into treatment, her medical insurance capped – resulting in a mountain of medical bills – which made the cost of everyday needs unaffordable.
Fortunately, 1in9 was able to financially assist Ronda with food, prescriptions, travel costs, daily living expenses and baby needs. But 1in9 was only one piece of the puzzle because …… RONDA HAD A VILLAGE ! And her VILLAGE banded together & helped throughout every phase of her treatment. The VILLAGE consists of Ronda’s closest friends & their families….. young and old, men and women. They care for Ronda’s son when she is at UNC, they drive her to & from EVERY appointment at UNC , the VILLAGE has provided unconditional comfort, meals & support for the past year and the VILLAGE has enabled Ronda & her husband to cope with the devastation of breast cancer.
When finances dictated that Ronda’s family had to move to more affordable housing, the VILLAGE moved her. When Ronda sat during long hours of chemotherapy, the VILLAGE sat with her. The VILLAGE supported her every step of the way! The staff of 1in9 joined Ronda’s VILLAGE and soon, friends at Fonville Morrisey Realty learned of Ronda’s struggles and THEY became part of her VILLAGE. Then, in June, her VILLAGE participated in the Komen 5k on TEAM 1in9 in Ronda’s honor !
The VILLAGE made Ronda’s recovery their mission…… and they succeeded ! Ronda is now a breast cancer survivor….. and she faced her journey with the comforting knowledge that her VILLAGE would always be there for support. And then, on a beautiful spring afternoon, the VILLAGE gathered together and had a party to celebrate the end of Ronda’s cancer treatment ! At the party, some of us at 1in9 had the opportunity to meet many of the “behind the scenes” VILLAGERS …… and it’s an amazing assortment of friends ! Ronda is blessed to have her VILLAGE –and 1in9 soon realized that EVERYONE needs and deserves a VILLAGE.
Friends & family can create a VILLAGE. 1in9 can provide a VILLAGE. Local businesses & organizations can become a VILLAGE. But in reality – there are many women with breast cancer who have no VILLAGE. You can help to change this……
Support 1in9’s mission – and with your help – we can give these ladies a VILLAGE of support, comfort & assistance they deserve !!
