Bringing Light to a Dark Moment

Despite a series of health issues Pete had been suffering with, he was managing and remaining strong. But his latest health diagnosis came as a surprise – cancer. His particular cancer is believed to have been caused by the work to which he had devoted 35 years of his life. Still, being an independent person of strong spirit, he soldiered on. 

His treatment for cancer began. He was still being treated for a serious leg issue and facing back surgery as well. When all was said and done, Pete needed to make nine visits for medical care each week. 

Living with a fixed income now, he had a breakeven budget. Unfortunately his diagnosis had come at a time when the cost of gas to make nine medical visits put a real crimp in his budget. Still he paid his mortgage and other housing costs to keep a roof over his head. But the weather was cold and gray, requiring heat and more light. When his utility bills arrived, they were more than he could manage. 

Pete is not a man to ask for help. But with encouragement from his cancer treatment center and his brother, he reached out to Love in Action’s Housing Ministry Collaborative. Given his urgent circumstances he received an appointment for the next day. Through that appointment he received the assistance needed to put him back on track. In fact, through the appointment, the client advisor was able to determine there were other ways LIA could assist Pete and his budget. 

By the end of the day, and thanks to a generous donor who had provided funding for just such an occasion, LIA was able to let Pete know his bills were covered. The bright difference in his voice as he expressed his thanks let us know that light had broken into what had been a dark moment.