Helping Families Every Day

Through your generosity we have been able to provide financial assistance to over 400 women and their families who were in financial peril resulting from the loss of income due to breast cancer and breast cancer treatment.

Each of our grant recipients has expressed gratitude to The Foundation for the help they have received. We share some of their stories with you as our way of extending their thanks to so many of you who have purchased calendars and note cards, participated in the Golf Outing or Turkey Dash..or sent us a check with your monetary donation. YOU are The Foundation that exists today in Karen's name and these women-named and nameless-are why we continue to request your support.

Stories from some of our grant recipients

"I sincerely thank you for your assistance in payment of my mortgage. It has been a truly rough time, and this definitely helps to soften the blow. I will always remember your kindness and generosity forever. I am hoping to eventually get back on my feet. With your assistance, perhaps it could be faster than expected."

Cheryl
3 children
Cuyahoga County

"Chemo is going well--I'm almost halfway there! It's going to be a long year--but thanks to our church, family, people like you and my faith I know I can do it! My sister passed away 12 years ago leaving 4 small children. I do not intend on joining her just yet. Thank you so much!"

Kristie 
4 children
Ashland County

 

 

"The last few years have been very difficult for Deb. First her father was diagnosed with lung cancer. While the family was preparing for the inevitable outcome, Deb's brother was killed in a motorcycle accident. . After recovering from a breakdown [caused by the trauma and stress of her brother's death], Deb was preparing to return to her job when she discovered a lump on her breast. She immediately went to our family doctor, had a mammogram and, of course, the rest is history. . Right before New Year's (2006) the doctor called to inform Deb that she had carcinoma meningitis. I have since learned that less than 5% of breast cancer patients are diagnosed with this problem. Since Deb's time is very limited, I want to do the best I can to give her whatever comforts I can. . I have never found myself in the situation of having to ask for money, I've always tried to be 'the helper' Deb especially has always been the 'rock' to help both her family and ours. . Probably the hardest thing for Deb has been having to accept that others need to do for her instead of her doing for others. Thank you."

Bob (Deb's husband)
2 children
Portage County

 

 

"The generosity from you (Matt) and the Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation has truly overwhelmed me today. Your support has taken a great worry and stress off my mind during this time when I am unable to provide for myself and daughter, Charlotte. Someday I hope to be able to thank you in person."

Karen 
1 child
Cuyahoga County

 

 

"We would like to thank you for the financial assistance over the past six months.Thanks to you our children were able to have another great Christmas and have been able to participate in other extra school related activities."

Pam 
3 children
Lorain County

 

 

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago in February. I was Stage IIIA initially, but since then have been diagnosed to Stage IV because it had metastasized to my spine. . My job does not have sick days so any time I have to take off I have to use vacation time or take off with no pay because the vacation is only so long. . I currently have bills due and my out of pocket insurance and prescription costs are [about 20% of my monthly take-home pay]. If I don't work the full hours of course it is less. . There are days I just drag myself out of bed to be at work, not only because of the fatigue that often hits, but the job is quite stressful at times also. . My daughter is 19 and in college. Trying to keep groceries in the house and regular daily expenses is stressful also. It is very hard for me to ask for help. I just want to do my best to get some of my bills paid off and then maybe I can have some peace of mind in that area for a while. . I want to thank you for taking the time to consider helping me. What a great thing you are doing. People do not realize the strain a disease like cancer can cause unless they have been there themselves. Again, thank you and may God Bless you!"

Denise 
1 child
Trumbull County

 

 

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer (stage 2) in April. Altogether I had 3 lumpemtomies and 3 other breast-related surgeries. Then this past August, I contracted pneumonia, congestive heart failure and was also diagnosed with cardiac blockage. I forgot to mention I had 8 rounds of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation. [Although I might soon be able to work part time,] I am requesting help with rent payments from the Nakon Foundation."

Eva
Cuyahoga County

In her thank you to The Foundation, Eva writes "I also want to give 'hats off' to your staff and volunteers that help make your foundation flourish."

 

 

“When I was diagnosed with breast and lung cancer in October, all I could think was thank God we have Greg finally healthy and working! … I was outsourced (from my job) after 3 years of loyal service. I was my dream job and a place that I wanted to grow old and retire from. The outsourcing decision was purely economics. … My final day of employment was July 31. I have been receiving unemployment benefits which will be running out beginning February. I can’t exactly look for a job right now; I even had to turn one down. I am determined to get well and be healthy for my kids and husband.”

Katherine 
2 children
Cuyahoga County

 

 

Thanks for helping us keep our home! And thanks for letting our daddy be home in the evening instead of working a second job.