Stress
. That is the first word that came to Diana's mind when asked about her battle with cancer. Diana described her diagnosis as stressful and overwhelming. "When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I was unsure of how to move forward since my treatments would be a very long way from my home. I had initially thought that driving the daily 240 mile round trip would be something that I could handle. I was wrong. I discovered on the first day of chemotherapy and radiation, it simply would not be possible. The treatments, consisting of weekly chemotherapy and daily radiation literally knocked the pins out from under me. I was weak and exhausted." Diana's daughter Lindsay added, "she wasn't capable of driving around the block, much less the round trip even on a weekly basis."
The alternative was for Diana to stay in Great Falls, Monday through Friday for the seven week duration of treatment. But where? Diana was overwhelmed at the thought of hotel prices and housing availability. Overwhelmed and out of options, Diana reached out to those she trusted at the Great Falls Clinic. "I found that I had the very best people on my side at the Great Falls Clinic. I don't have the words that can express my gratitude for all their help," shared Diana. Diana contacted the Great Falls Clinic Cancer Care department and the team reached out to the Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation for help. The Foundation immediately stepped in and booked Diana and her daughter a place to stay at a local hotel within close proximity of Diana's medical providers; paying 100% of her lodging fees so she could focus on her treatment.
"I know I am not the only one in this situation. We live in a large state and many people are from rural areas far from the Clinic as in my case. Many are unable to drive back and forth for treatment due to distance and not feeling well."
"I firmly believe there is a great need for the Legacy Housing by the Great Falls Clinic to be able to house patients and their families. There is no greater support than family during stressful times. My family and I are eternally grateful to the wonderful people at the Great Falls Clinic for their invaluable assistance in housing and will be thankful when the Legacy House can be completed through the donations of caring people and organizations for this worth cause."
