When the diagnosis is cancer, families take a physical and emotional hit. But for many people, a diagnosis results in a financial hit too.

Troy and Carrie Yaremchak were both working hard and enjoying life with their four children in their Newberry Twp. home. Then, in April, Carrie, 41, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Suddenly, she could no longer work.

Troy said his wife made “decent money” at her job as a data analyst at GuideWell Source. Not only did that disappear, but Troy had to cut back from his regular 60-hour work weeks building printing machines to care for Carrie and the children, who range in age from 15 to 6.

The couple had some savings, but, he said, when one income goes missing “it doesn’t take long for the money to disappear.”

Someone in the Red Land midget football program told Troy about Vickie’s Angels. Right about the same time, Carrie’s daughter, Abigail Reigle, got the same information from her former boss.

Soon Vickie’s Angels stepped in to help pay the couple’s mortgage.

“Them helping with the mortgage is a godsend,” Troy said.

Since her diagnosis, Carrie has had several surgeries, as well as radiation and chemotherapy. Although the cancer has spread to her spine, Troy said she is getting stronger each day and preparing for more chemotherapy.

Meanwhile, Carrie’s daughter, Abigail, who recently became a first-time mom, decided to express her thanks to Vickie’s Angels in a special way. For her recent birthday, instead of gifts, she asked friends and family to donate to a Facebook Fundraiser to benefit Vickie’s Angels. She surpassed her $750 goal by raising $880.

Until her mother and stepfather needed help, “I had no idea how amazing Vickie’s is and how much they help our local families during a very difficult time in their lives,” she said.

-written by Nancy Eshelman