Alex lives his life the best he can in the face of his cancer diagnosis at such a young age. He lost his own father to cancer, making this cancer journey even more challenging.

Alex is determined to graduate college and moved back home upon his diagnosis to begin virtual school. His mom is beside him every step of the way.

Ule has been in continuous treatment for cancer since 2016 and has undergone multiple rounds of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Throughout his cancer journey, he has remained positive, speaking at cancer support groups and inspiring those newly diagnosed.

Amy’s oncology team at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Erie, PA shared that her pancreatic cancer diagnosis causes emotional turbulence. An uncertain future has left her feeling overwhelmed and stressed, wanting to make the most of time with her caregiver who has supported her through so many challenging times.

With two children to care for, Dawn’s husband has been the backbone through her cancer journey and she believes he, too, deserves the gift of respite.

Being the lead parent for soccer, carpooling, and grocery shopping is one thing, but as the primary caregiver, Dawn’s husband also puts her needs first. Dawn longed to give her family a break and the time to reconnect on respite.

Tehmina shared that her FPS Respite is provided something no medical treatment can – a feeling of HOPE! She was excited for her family to meet others in a similar situation and to join the greater FPS community.

Tehmina passed away months after her family’s respite, making this time together all the more meaningful.

Peter has been told that he has two years to live. Diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer when he was only 44 years old, he underwent three months of chemotherapy and 25 treatments of radiation.

Peter married his fiance only 3 months after his treatment started and his biggest worry is the idea of leaving her too early.

Antoinette was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and underwent one year of treatment. In 2022, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and had to restart chemotherapy. Financial challenges weighed heavily on her mind and gave her little opportunity to focus on herself and give her family any special time together.

After two long years, her treatment team understood the need for respite to improve Antoinette’s family health.

Diagnosed with Stage IIB Lymphoma in June 2022, Jacob remained resilient despite struggling with what his wife and children would have to go through due to his cancer. As an oncology nurse, it gave him a renewed sense of purpose in his profession and a personal connection with his patients.

His oncology team at Helen Graham Cancer Center knew that Jacob was in need of time away, free from the challenges of treatment, to make memories with his family.

For 17 years, Margaret and her husband ran a law office dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth, employing several family members. In December 2022, she was diagnosed with stage four renal cancer, leading her to close the practice and lose her primary income. Despite her challenges, including physical pain and financial strain, Margaret remains grateful, drawing strength from her family, friends, and unwavering faith, hoping for a miracle.

She was looking forward to respite to help give her and her husband a break from the battle with cancer.

Tracy is a single mother of five children; her life took an unexpected turn in February 2023 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During this challenging journey, her daughter, Ceara, has emerged as a pillar of strength, juggling responsibilities as a daughter and as a caregiver, taking a toll on her emotional well-being. Their lives have been disrupted in profound ways by financial struggles and the demands of treatment.

Tracy’s nominator knew that cancer had tested their family in many ways and they needed time to heal and create happy memories.

Alicia is a devoted mom to two young boys and was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2023. Since her diagnosis, her life has been a whirlwind of appointments and treatments, disrupting her everyday life. Alicia is grateful for her family’s support but feels a sense of guilt as she watches their life revolve around her medical needs.

Understanding the toll this situation has taken on Alicia and her family, her nominator at Abramson Center Center knew they needed a break to find peace and relaxation.

Gina’s world has been turned upside down since her diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2023. Gina has been tested both emotionally and physically since her diagnosis. Beyond the physical pains of treatment, she has dealt with the struggle of being a mother to young sons while navigating cancer and remaining a presence in their lives.

Her nominator at Asplundh Cancer Pavilion at Jefferson Health knew Gina needed an opportunity to escape her health struggles and reconnect with her family.

Meet Asha, a courageous 38-year-old who faced a breast cancer diagnosis just three months following the arrival of her second child. What should have been a period filled with the joy of new motherhood was swiftly overshadowed by fear and uncertainty due to her unexpected health battle.

The invaluable bond shared between a mother and her newborn is so special, yet these precious early moments were disrupted for Asha. Despite the unwavering support of her husband, the harsh side effects of her treatment have inevitably led to lost opportunities for bonding with her children as she navigates the path to recovery. Her nominated knew Asha and her family needed the opportunity to step away from the challenges of cancer treatment.

Jimmy recently welcomed his daughter, Mary Jane, into the world on August 26, 2023. However, just two weeks after her arrival, Jimmy faced a dire health crisis when he was diagnosed with cancer. Due to his diagnosis, he received urgent surgery that left him faced with additional medical challenges preventing him from being able to fully embrace his role as a new father.

Jimmy was eagerly anticipating being a caregiver to his wife and daughter but now he was requiring rehab and the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Instead, his wife and family stepped in to support him. He is deeply grateful for their unwavering presence throughout his recovery, numerous doctor visits, and ongoing immunotherapy treatments.

His nominator at Lehigh Valley Health Network recognized the family’s sacrifices and need to make lasting memories with his family.

Rebecca, 49, has been navigating breast cancer since December 2023. Shortly before her diagnosis, she and her family moved from Texas to Pennsylvania, adding to the challenge. She has three children, ages 10 to 22, and a supportive husband, though her older sons are in college in Texas, making their support from afar bittersweet.

Rebecca is especially concerned about her youngest, who hides his struggles but is deeply affected. She hopes to bring him to the Poconos, where he’s never been, for a meaningful family experience.

Her nominator at Asplundh Cancer Pavilion believes a Respite Experience would allow Rebecca and her family to connect, rest, and create cherished memories together.