Claudia had not missed her yearly mammogram since she turned 40 years old. Then the coronavirus pandemic happened. Frightened, she skipped her annual women’s check-up that year.

One year later in 2021, her routine check-up would consist of more than the usual mammogram. A breast ultrasound and biopsy would reveal Claudia had cancerous tumors.

Everything has changed for Claudia, including her finances. She tires more easily and can no longer carry children. Working as a babysitter was no longer a choice. Selling cakes is not possible, either. Baking became intolerable due to the heat from the oven.

Her husband Manuel works tirelessly during the week cutting yards. On weekends, he cooks food to sell to cover Claudia’s medical bills.

However, they still needed extra help to finance the cost of radiation therapy at the DHR Health Advanced Care Center. There, Claudia sought assistance from the Renaissance Cancer Foundation.

“The Foundation has given me hope that I will heal,” says Claudia. “I will fight for my health and my goals.” She wants to be healthy again and work towards owning a house to share with her loving husband of twenty-five years.