44 | Dennis | Testicular & Prostate Cancer
Although each and every grant recipient is very special to us, there’s always that ‘one’ that truly touches your heart in a profound way. This ‘one’ is Dennis. Dennis was diagnosed with both testicular and prostate cancer in early 2023. After his diagnosis, he began a regimen of rigorous chemotherapy treatments to shrink the tumors prior to surgery. Unfortunately, Dennis had quite a few complications resulting in 24-hour care and blood transfusions with inpatient hospital stays during his treatments.
KWF received an application on Dennis’ behalf requesting financial assistance to help provide some relief with rent, groceries and other essential needs. It was said that Dennis had been struggling financially since his diagnosis. His social worker had stated that Dennis has gotten by on a limited income, and is very frugal, but doesn’t have much disposable income left after his rent payment. He had worked as a handyman to make ends meet, however is no longer able to do so due to the symptoms of his cancer.
Dennis doesn’t have any family support, and lives alone, which can lead one to feel very lonely and depressed, especially when going through such a challenging time in their life. KWF’s team member, Sherri, made the phone call to present a financial grant to Dennis. After introducing herself and explaining the reason for the call, Dennis became very emotional saying that right before the phone rang, he was sitting at the edge of his bed praying that he will be able to make his rent and continue to maintain as minimal of a lifestyle as possible just to get by. Sherri spoke to Dennis for over an hour, and during the conversation, he mentioned an upcoming surgery and how nervous he was. It was at that moment that Sherri knew she wanted to do more for this kind and humble man on the other side of the phone. She jotted down the surgery date, and the night before, made another phone call to Dennis to wish him well and let him know that we were all praying for him as he went into his surgery the next morning. He was so grateful for that phone call, and once again, the conversation lasted over an hour. Sherri suggested ways for him to try to relax and ease his mind going into surgery, which he really seemed to appreciate.
Sherri and our founder, Kristina, decided that they wanted to go even a step further and go visit Dennis in the hospital after his surgery, so they put together a care package with a cozy blanket, a lucky little gnome, a small planter, coffee mug and a sign, each with inspirational words to remind him he’s not alone. Sherri and Kristina took a ride to downtown Chicago to visit Dennis. Unfortunately, the timing was not so good, and he was in an extreme amount of pain, so the visit was very short, but when Kristina pulled out that cozy blanket from the care package, his eyes lite up and he said how he loved it and that he had been so cold. Even though the visit was a short one, Dennis knew that there were people that cared for him and that’s one of the most important things for one to realize.
Sherri still stays in touch with Dennis from time to time and always does her best to comfort him. Truth be told though, Sherri has said that these conversations with Dennis have provided her with a sense of contentment as well.
We thank all of you who have helped us make this grant possible for Dennis.