Kaeden had a regular job and what many would call a normal life. But just like what could happen to any of us, her life was changed forever when she was diagnosed with Cancer. She had worked in advocacy for 20 plus years, but cancer did not let her work any longer. But before cancer entered the picture, she had been in a long-term relationship. Her partner left her and she found out that the bills she thought were being paid were not. She lost her house and had to file for bankruptcy.
When this happened, she ended up living in her car for 2 years. She tried working for Door Dash and various other odd types of jobs but with no residence it was hard to make anything last. She also found herself withdrawing from people because the cancer and its treatment had left her with very few teeth. “It’s hard when you have no insurance, no place to live, you lose who you are and gaining confidence back again was an uphill battle.” Kaeden said.
Because of her past work experience she knew there were places she could go for help but walking through the door was hard and humbling. What she quickly realized was that asking for help was okay. And what she really learned was that having some of her basic needs being met she could concentrate on getting herself back into the world and working again. She loves coming to the Lunch Break, a partner agency of Fulfill, because she can choose what she likes and not waste anything. She now has Medicaid benefits and looks forward to having her teeth fixed. She is working again but of course everything is so expensive, so she is glad that she has Lunch Break to help fill in the gaps. She also said that being able to choose what she wants makes you feel like a person and gives you dignity. She takes advantage of other services like the clothes closet but is really thankful for the friendships and warm faces when all the staff and volunteers provide.
As we finished talking, Kaeden told us about her kids all grown now and how she did not want to burden them. Luckily for her being a burden was not how her children saw it. She is very proud of each of them and what they have become. She has also learned that asking for help no matter where it comes from is easier than you think and not as scary as you build it up in your head. In fact, it often is just the opposite, healing!
