2025 NOTES OF THANKS
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“Just wanted to say thank you to everyone at Steps Together! Your kindness and generosity has made this past year a little easier. I can’t express how grateful we truly are! ”
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“I would like to share my story with the Steps Together Community. I am 47, and have a husband, and 2 kids. In October 2024, I received a shocking diagnosis that would change mine and my family's life. On a routine mammogram, it was discovered that I have Triple Negative Breast Cancer. After much testing, we learned that it had already spread to my lymph nodes which put me at Stage 2B Grade 3. As I was digesting this diagnosis and doing my best to learn about my type of cancer, my team was moving quickly to get my treatment plan started as TNBC is very aggressive. I work as a preschool teacher, and because of the physical aspect as well as germ exposure in my job, I was not able to work. I went on medical leave in November 2024 as I started a very aggressive treatment plan. I applied for Disability, but was approved for only 1/3 of my salary (which took many months to process). With all of the stresses of the medical diagnosis and worries with my treatment, Steps Together was able to provide me with a Grant and ease some of my financial worries during this difficult time. I will be forever grateful for this gift, it eased my family's burden during the most challenging time.
I have completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 3 surgeries, 25 rounds of radiation, 16 rounds of immunotherapy (and counting, I have four more to complete treatment) and will undergo 1-2 additional surgeries. I am beyond ecstatic to report that as of now, pathology shows that I am in complete remission! I returned to work this September and am back to a new "normal" life. While I am not done with my journey or treatment, I am feeling positive and proud of all that has been accomplished. I remain hopeful that there is no recurrence in my future and I remain cancer free.
Thank you, again, to the amazing Steps Together Community for making a part of this journey easier for our family.
With many thanks and much gratitude” - Triple Negative Breast Cancer Warrior
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“Our son was hit with a devastating illness with long term serious effects. It was a total surprise to an otherwise healthy and physically active young man. The impact on our family has been monumental. He lost his job, health care and is missing his toddler grow up. The financial burden has been extremely hard on his family.
We will be forever grateful to Steps Together who jumped in and helped to ease the financial burden. They provided him with a very generous donation which he is using to purchase items that are constantly needed as part of his treatment regimen.
In times like these, I’d like it to be known that it is not just the financial help, but the care and concern that Steps Together has shown that has made a real difference in our family’s emotional health! ”
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“Throughout the years, Steps Together has been amazing to my family. I had to stop working when my son became sick. He has complex medical needs and needs 24hr supervision. My son is also on a medical diet to help lessen his seizures. This gets costly. Steps has provided my family w food cards when things became tight. I don't know what I would have done without their help.
Steps really is an amazing organization. The impact they've had on our family is astounding. Every single year they made sure we had a phenomenal Christmas. I can honestly say we wouldn't have been able to have a Christmas without them. Just to see my son's face light up on Christmas morning is all the gift I need and Steps gives that...I cannot thank them and their supporters enough.
Steps has also given me emotional support. I cannot say how much it means just to have someone listen, offer support and really care. This is what I feel sets them apart from other organizations.
Thank you, Steps for being so amazing and helping families when they need it most!”
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“I want to sincerely thank Steps Together for the incredible support they’ve given my family and me during one of the hardest times in our lives. Facing lymphoma brought not only health challenges but also a major financial burden due to loss of income. Steps Together stepped in when we needed help the most, providing financial assistance that helped us stay afloat and focus on healing instead of worrying about bills.
A very special thank you for the kindness, patience, and dedication that made the entire process smooth and stress-free. The compassion made us feel seen and supported every step of the way.
On behalf of my family and myself, thank you, Steps Together, for your generosity, care, and for making such a positive difference in the lives of families like mine. We’ll always be grateful for your help and the hope you’ve given us. ❤️”
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“Steps Together helped me through the worst time of my entire life. I was out of work, dealing with a surprise surgical bill, and struggling just to get by while my child was very ill. The help with groceries and expenses came when I didn’t know how I was going to make it. It wasn’t just financial support — it was a reminder that I wasn’t alone. I’ll never forget that. Thank you for being there when I needed it most.”
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“Steps Together is providing my sister and her husband with grocery gift cards and this has eased the stress of having to worry about grocery bills in a very uncertain time. Thank you for all that you do!”
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“This support means the world to our family and truly helps lift some of the weight we’ve been carrying as we care for my husband. Please extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Steps Together. We’re so grateful for the care and support you’ve shared with our family during this time.”
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“We are beyond grateful for the assistance that your organization is providing her. Organizations like yours are what keep my faith in humanity alive!”
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