BENEFICIARIES OF 2023
"My wife and I reached out to The Atrium Foundation, and we are so glad we did! The whole process is wonderful, and it is really validating to be able to talk about shared experiences and feel heard. We were able to come up with a good plan for support that works for everyone, and we are so grateful.
Thank you so much to Dorothy and the team for helping us out in a time like this. It’s been a huge help knowing that we are not alone. Big love to all!"
- Stephanie Millett
"Cancer is a bully without any regard for the pain it inflicts or the destruction it causes upon a person's life. I’ve had times during this cancer journey when the side effects of chemotherapy were so bad that I couldn’t mop my floors or clean my bathrooms and had to pay people to come in to do so. I’ve also struggled with transportation to appointments and spent a lot of money on Uber, which should have gone towards bills or food.
I’ve felt weak, tired, isolated, and overwhelmed. It’s hard doing this alone.
An atrium “provides light and life in an otherwise large, empty space.” This is the analogy that I sincerely use for The Atrium Foundation.
In my time of need, The Atrium Foundation generously provided me with financial assistance and so much more. They gave me financial “breathing room” which is such a relief, but also gave me listening ears and compassion. It’s so nice to have people show that they truly care!
- J Harris
"The Atrium Foundation provided a spirit of giving wrapped up in a warm welcome! A face-to-face introduction and navigation support directed me to possibilities and avenues of help. I so enjoyed sharing stories and receiving support during my call with Dorothy.
The assistance I received helped lessen burdens while managing the side effects of Metastatic Breast Cancer treatment.
Cancer Survivors Helping Cancer Patients summarizes this group of caring foundation members."
- Ann Long
"I was diagnosed with Squamous Carcinoma of the Trachea in September of 22. It completely changed our lives. Physically, emotionally, mentally and financially. Dealing with the uncertainty of my health is enough on its own, but losing my income put my family in financial hardship. I found out about The Atrium Foundation through CancerCare.org. I applied and met for the interview, which went very well. Dorothy really listened to me and truly cared about what I was experiencing.
Just to know that people are so willing to help just shows that there is still good in this world. The foundation helped my family out in such a big way. My family and I can never thank you all enough for all of your help in reducing some of the worry regarding our financial strain.
I am Sincerely Thankful."
- Salina R.
"You are pregnant". "You have breast cancer". Two phrases you never expect to hear simultaneously. In January 2022, my life completely changed with my breast cancer diagnosis and pregnancy news. There are so many things running through your mind that you don't know what will take the biggest toll. You are trying to grow a life in your body while cancer is trying to steal your life all at the same time. I was completely focused on receiving treatment and it wasn't until the thousands and thousands of medical bills that started to come, I began to worry about the financial impact cancer would have on my life. In one year, I had exhausted all my vacation and sick time offered by my employer that I had accumulated over the course of five years. And with an extensive surgery that would prevent me from working for 4 weeks, I began to worry. That's when I read about Dorothy Paredes and The Atrium Foundation. This organization saw a gap and is impacting lives by closing that gap. With The Atrium Foundation's financial assistance, I can focus on healing, rather than focusing on the amount of time I may have to go out of work unpaid. I can channel my energy into healing my body and focus on beating cancer to spend many more years with my son!
Thank you, Dorothy and The Atrium Foundation!"