In the Fight Together
Cancer.
It’s a word that strikes fear in even the bravest of hearts. As a single mom, Holly was even more afraid of what would happen to her daughter, Paige, if she couldn’t beat her diagnosis. It was that deep love for Paige that helped Holly stay strong through a difficult treatment. Once in remission, she believed that the worst was behind them and life could finally return to normal.
Then came the second diagnosis in August 2023, and this time it was much more terrifying. At just 16, Paige was now facing her own battle against cancer. Holly’s family medical leave was already overextended, so she was forced to leave a well-paying job with good health insurance just to take care of her sick daughter. It wasn’t long before money ran out, bills piled up, and the mother and daughter were on the verge of having their utilities shut off.
Holly turned to The Salvation Army of Clay County, desperate for any help they could provide. She had met Salvation Army volunteer Kerry Clear before, when Kerry had provided a ride to Holly during her cancer treatments in February of that year.
Weather conditions had left Holly without transportation to Indianapolis for an appointment and Kerry had answered a cry for help posted to Facebook. As Holly struggled to stay afloat, she recalled Kerry's kindness and The Salvation Army's services in Clay County.
Once again, Kerry jumped into action, quickly securing the funds necessary to keep the utilities on. She also reached out to other community resources to address a growing list of needs, eventually securing additional assistance and a new washer and dryer for Holly and Paige’s home. Using her connections within The Salvation Army and Clay County, Kerry was able to stabilize the situation and give the mother and daughter hope at a time when they needed it the most.
Today, Holly’s prayers have been answered and her daughter is in remission. She has secured a new job, and though it doesn’t pay quite as well as her previous employment, she is able to spend quality time with Paige and help her regain her strength. The Salvation Army helped with a down payment for a new place to live and has provided extra assistance to get the family back on their feet.
“She’s been so grateful, and a little overcome by emotion at times,” shared Kerry. “On one visit, she said to me, ‘It’s hard to imagine and believe that people care.’ But we do. We care and are here to give people back the hope and faith they may have lost.”