Vickie’s Angel Foundation has recently been providing financial assistance to Carrie Galvin, a Lebanon County resident who was diagnosed last year with breast cancer. Although the 59-year-old said she is incredibly grateful for the short-term assistance that has helped with many of her bills, she also said she found something just as valuable by reaching out to the foundation.
“Sometimes it’s not always financial help you need. Sometimes it’s that person to talk to. I’m glad they’re there for me to talk to whenever I need to,” said Galvin, who mentioned she has kept in touch frequently with Mickey Minnich, the founder of Vickie’s Angel Foundation. “It’s so helpful to me. There is someone who won’t be judgmental. They’ll be impartial, that listening ear. Mickey has been that for me since my diagnosis.”
Galvin shared during a recent phone conversation that she recently started chemotherapy treatments, which will continue for a period of several weeks. She said that her prognosis is positive, although she’s been battling fatigue and lost her sense of taste due to her treatment’s effects on her taste buds.
Understandably, her frequent doctors’ visits, a lumpectomy procedure and the subsequent chemotherapy treatments have made it difficult for her to continue with her normal work schedule of providing childcare services to local families. These factors were part of the reason she followed her sister’s advice and reached out to Vickie’s Angel Foundation to inquire about potential support.
Much like the others who connect with the foundation, Galvin said she was floored by how quickly her application was processed. Within days, she received help with her rent and utilities.
“The thing that is awesome is they immediately helped me,” Galvin said. “It was a blessing. Nobody wants this diagnosis but having this and knowing there is someone who cares and is willing to help, that makes everything so much easier.”
Galvin added that she is a mother of seven children and retired about 10 years ago from her first career — a 27-year stint as a title clerk for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. She said these days she is focusing on keeping a positive attitude. Even though she is frequently tired and has to take a day-by-day approach with many of her usual tasks, she knows people who have battled through a cancer diagnosis. Her late mother is one prime example.
“She lived about 30 years after her breast cancer. She went through chemo and everything,” she said. “So mom, if you did it, I can do it too. I will keep going forward.”
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 $3.8 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.