Donna, God's blessings to you and your Foundation. You have helped me for several months and I went through chemo and radiation. I am in Michigan now visiting 5 of my 9 grandchildren whom I haven't seen for a year. You have been a strong ray of hope for me as I see you nightly smiling, laughing and of course giving us the news. God bless you and yours.
With gratitude,
Dianne
Breast Cancer Survivor Finds Hope and Help Through Donna Foundation
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Even in her darkest moment, Debra Sullins put her children and family, before herself.
"When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I just thought, how am I going to get through this? I knew it would take a lot of resources because when you take a mother out of a family, you're losing the person that's doing the car-pooling and taking the children to functions."
She found help through the Donna Foundation.
Financially, the Sullins family was suffering. Debra was already on disability because of a previous medical condition. When she was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, her husband had to take time off work to take care of the children and help her with medical treatments.
The foundation not only supported Sullins financially, but emotionally. She relied on Donna's book, "The Good Fight," to get through the tough times.
"That seemed to be the book that I found most helpful. It became sort of a roadmap for me in dealing with my whole cancer experience."
During her three hour chemo-therapy sessions, Sullins would take her mind off the pain and pass the time by knitting and making jewelry.
She has one more surgery to go and remains optimistic looking ahead.
"I'm confident that I'm in good hands and I know I can face whatever the future holds."
This weekend, thousands of runners will participate in the inaugural "26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer," and the money raised will help women like Debra Sullins.
Sherry and Keith married on 10/28/06 and this is what they shared at their wedding reception:
Many of you know, and many may not……but our lives have been touched by the effects of breast cancer. I was diagnosed at the age of 29. There were many challenges and obstacles I had to overcome, but I was able to do this because I had such a wonderful support group around me one of which became my husband today. Instead of favors, we have decided to make a donation to The Donna Foundation to help other women in our area that are battling this terrible disease. Thank you for sharing this “Special Day” with us.
I attended the cancer fundraiser luncheon that was held at the Kingsland Recreation Center last month. I was so impressed with what your Foundation has done to help women with breast cancer. Since my mom is going through chemotherapy, she told me how expensive the hats were that patients wear. I had her send me one and I have been making them for her to put on the hat tree from patients to take. I know that we cannot organize something like you have put together, but if we all do whatever we can, it will make a difference. You are the rock for many out there and please keep up the good work!
Jan
Within the last year, the wives of two of our local Troopers have courageously battled breast cancer with great success. The Donna Deegan Foundation provided much needed assistance to the “Highway Patrol Family” during our time of need and for that, we are eternally grateful. It is truly a pleasure to be able to see firsthand the wonderful work being done by your organization. Thanks for all you do.
Jerrrell G. Crews, Lieutenant
Florida Highway Patrol, Troop G - Palatka
My name is Johna. I am a single parent of two, fighting the battle of breast cancer. The battle is not only health, its financial, too. I am a survivor not only for my treatments, but without the help from The Donna Foundation, I would have lost my home. They helped me with my bills (light and phone bills and school clothes for my two children and other type of help with odds and ends). I am so thankful for them. If they were not there, I would have lost my battle. We do need more foundations like The Donna Foundation for people who need help to stay on their feet.
Thank you again!
Johna
I am a cancer patient with 3 young children. I needed chemotherapy and radiation to battle the recurrence. During treatment, my husband’s employment was terminated. Without financial relief, my family would not make it. The Donna Foundation helped us by paying our mortgages, preschool, and medical bills for a month. What this gave us was time, the most precious gift of all. Our family is so grateful to this much needed charity.
Sincerely, Christine, Todd, Owen, Reed and Cara
A special thanks to Donna for establishing the Foundation. A diagnosis of breast cancer can change your life. The changes can be difficult to handle. Financial stress just adds to an already stressful situation. The emotional and financial support provided has made it easier to cope.
Linda
Thank you for all the blessings that your organization has given to me and my family. You all are a true blessing to me and my family. I thank God for a family like yours.
Georgia
I want to thank you for helping me in my time of need. Your Foundation is a true blessing. You have been a big support. As I continue to go through my trials and tribulations, I will never forget the help that I received from you. Thank you so much!
Sandy
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2006. From the very beginning of this journey, God has placed angels in path to help make this journey bearable. I can’t express my heartfelt gratitude for your assistance during my time of need. May God bless you to continue to touch the lives of those who travel on this journey to recovery from cancer.
