Joseph's Home lights the way to a brighter future

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Tags: Joseph & Mary's Home

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"Do I really want to go through this again?" Sometimes when life gets tough, it’s easy to lose hope or to feel like giving up. This is exactly how Marcos felt when he received the news from his doctor that his cancer had come back. Typically, Marcos tries to keep his head held high. But he wasn’t sure if he was strong enough anymore. Without a home or a car, keeping up with his medical care felt impossible. Until he was referred to Joseph’s Home.

Marcos' full story of hope and healing appears below.

Lighting the Way to a Brighter Future

"Do I really want to go through this again?"

Sometimes when life gets tough, it’s easy to lose hope or to feel like giving up. This is exactly how Marcos felt when he received the news from his doctor that his cancer had come back. Typically, Marcos tries to keep his head held high. But he wasn’t sure if he was strong enough anymore.

Marcos was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 18. Because of his weakened immune system, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma just a few years later.

Now at the age of 26, Marcos is facing his second battle with cancer. Before his cancer came back, Marcos had an apartment and a great job as a home health aide. But his doctors restricted him from working so he could focus on getting better. But that meant he couldn’t pay his bills or rent. One thing led to another and not long ago, Marcos became homeless.

Who could blame him for being afraid? For wanting to give up?

People like Marcos are facing some of their darkest times right now. A global pandemic makes difficult health challenges feel insurmountable. But a caring neighbor like you can light the way toward a brighter future.

Marcos receives chemotherapy treatments every three weeks. For three days in a row he stays at the hospital, fighting extreme nausea and body aches. And on the weeks he doesn’t have treatments, Marcos attends multiple doctors’ appointments.

Without a home or a car, keeping up with his medical care felt impossible. Until he was referred to Joseph’s Home.

At Joseph’s Home, Marcos is supported by the staff in every way imaginable. He receives basic necessities like shelter and three nutritious meals a day, assistance with managing his medications, help scheduling and arranging transportation to his treatments and doctors’ appointments, and even talking with someone who has been through some of the same challenges he is facing.

"They keep me strong with good words and motivation. That’ll keep a person going." said Marcos.

Now, Marcos is focused on maintaining his health and looking forward to a bright future. With the help of Joseph’s Home staff, he has completed the process to receive a copy of his birth certificate. And he has even applied for his very own apartment.

Marcos recently said, "Being here gave me piece of mind and the chance to clear my thoughts." Your support makes this possible. Without the generosity of friends like you, Marcos would be facing his diagnoses alone. And he would be in great danger of becoming even more sick. Probably ready to give up.

Consider making a gift to Joseph’s Home today
People like Marcos are facing some of their darkest times right now. But you can light the way toward a brighter future. Please consider making a gift to Joseph’s Home today. Any gift you can send will help someone like Marcos see that there is hope after all.

Joseph's Home is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.