Have you ever considered what you might do if you or someone in your family had to unexpectedly deal with a life altering illness? 

Many of us face this challenge and the story we're about to share with you tells of one family's triumphs because they turned to JFS for support and services.

A routine visit resulted in a stage four cancer diagnosis for Karen, a wife and young mother of three living in our Metrowest community. Still reeling from the shocking news, Jeff, her husband and father of their three children, knew he had to take action to create a stable environment for the children and he had to eliminate the stressors that would impede Karen's progress to wellness. Where to turn? Jeff and Karen had never needed financial help before but realizing the enormity of their challenges, Jeff made an appointment to come into JFS to learn his options.

"I'll be very honest, I'm not someone who likes to ask for help. I believe in being as self-sufficient as possible but I also knew we had gotten to a point where we needed help...One of the hardest things I had to do was driving to Jewish Family Service and I knew I would have to go in there and go through our finances and things...
The people at JFS made it very easy. I remember leaving and for the first time feeling better...like there was something that was going to be there that would help with finances and other resources...

It made all the difference. Karen is doing as well as any one person can possibly be doing with her condition...all because of support from Jewish Family Service." 

Karen had a number of setbacks during her course of treatment that required additional hospital stays and time away from her family which resulted in the children's lives being disrupted by not have mommy at home like she once was. Jeff and JFS created a family support system that included nursery school enrollment for their younger children, transportation services, and accompaniment to medical appointments and treatments.

Karen, Jeff and their children were able rely on JFS because donors like you fund the important support and services we provide to families in need in our community. 

And this year as an added incentive for donating,
a generous JFS donor will match each dollar you give by
June 30, 2015
with another dollar so your gift will go twice as far!

Your generosity will continue to make a world of difference to the Karens, Jeffs, and others we stand ready to assist every day.

Thank you for your support

Marc Jacobs                                          Lou Kates
               
Learn More
At this year's Seize the Dream, Karen and Jeff told their story and you can learn more about their journey by watching their video.