As a registered nurse with more than 40 years of experience, Sabine Hough has made a career of helping others. She was also the sole provider for her family as she worked at a nursing home and rehabilitation facility in Pottsville.
Sabine, 58, says she planned to work until she was 70 years old. But her plans hit a roadblock in March 2020 when she was diagnosed with bladder cancer.
“I tried to work through my chemo, but I could only do it for six weeks before I got too sick,” Sabine said.
Being forced to stop working meant that Sabine, of New Ringgold, Schuylkill County, eventually lost her insurance coverage. She also learned that she would need surgery as part of her treatment. In August, Sabine underwent an operation to remove her bladder.
During her treatment, Sabine’s oncologist referred her to a social worker who connected her with Vickie’s Angel Foundation. The foundation covered her mortgage payments in the summer months as she prepared for her surgery and recovered.
“Vickie’s Angels are wonderful. They save me every month,” Sabine said. “I don’t know where I would have been without them for the last couple of months.”
Sabine said that an initial cat scan following her surgery was negative for any metastasis, giving her hope for the future. She has another cat scan scheduled for November. In the meantime, she has set a goal for herself of one day returning to work in some capacity.
“I hope I don’t have to go through any more chemo,” she said. “I’m going to try and work maybe four hours here and four hours there.”
About Us: Vickie's Angel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission of helping families fighting cancer who cannot pay their bills because of going through cancer treatment. The foundation’s goal is to take away the financial worry from the family, providing a temporary bridge that allows them to focus entirely on beating this disease. Since 2003, Vickie’s Angel Foundation has raised over $3.2 million and helped more than 2,000 families. Importantly, 100% of all online donations, and monies received at our walk; along with 100% of net proceeds from sponsored events, go directly to those in need.