The Atrium Foundation – Helping People Experiencing Cancer
Author: Dorothy Paredes, President – Jacksonville, OR
Hearing “You have Cancer” changes life forever. I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 26, along that journey I encountered adversity as well as inspiration. Adversity presented itself in the form of debt, I literally went broke. I was living on my own and had excellent health insurance but due to multiple surgeries and severe side-effects of chemotherapy I had to take a leave of absence from work which reduced my pay by 40%. The mounting out-of-pocket medical expenses exhausted any disposable income and savings I had, which left no money for my everyday bills. I was forced to sell my car, relinquish my apartment, and move back home with my parents.
I took me years to crawl out of debt and at least 10 to understand who I was after cancer and overcome my grief. And, just as I was becoming myself again, I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer at 36. I was at the lowest point in my life afterwards, depleted nutritionally, and the bleak hospital room with lack of sun drained my spirits. I felt like I was being sucked into the hospital bed as I uttered the words, “I’m not going to make it out of here,” to my husband. Without hesitation he lifted me out of bed, put me in a wheelchair, and took me to the hospital atrium. The fresh air, greenery, and sunlight breathed life into me. That moment inspired me. I knew I didn’t want anyone to feel as lost as I had or as alone as I did. I asked myself what was missing from each of my experiences, narrowing my answers to two things: support for the emotional effects of cancer and financial assistance paying everyday bills. Both were the most stressful, life draining needs I was left to figure out on my own and both had the most long-lasting, life altering, effects.
In February 2021, The Atrium Foundation was founded with a mission to help cancer patients and caregivers who are in financial distress due to their cancer diagnosis protect their livelihood by providing financial assistance towards housing, living, medical, and mental health and wellness expenses. Financial distress, known as cancer financial toxicity, severely compromises patients’ ability to focus on healing and is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the cancer community. It forces many to decide between paying bills and groceries or paying for medical treatment. And, to ensure every dollar goes to helping cancer patients and caregivers, we founded the organization on the core principle of volunteerism. All team members, including myself, are volunteers.
The founding team of 5 helped 20 people and raised $45,500 in the first two years of operation. Moving into year three, we were faced with a pivotal decision as two members faced medical issues and had to leave the organization; do we pause operations, or do we forge ahead? With little debate, the 3 remaining team members and a new advisory board member decided to forge forward with our mission. We dug our heels in raising $32,700 and helped 22 people!
Last year, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the efforts our dedicated team, volunteers, and generous donors can make. 2024 was a tremendous year of growth as we exceed our goals in both the number of people we supported and fundraising, as well as made pivotal connections within local communities. Our goal was to help 20 people year over year and raise $40,000. Operating with the core 3 team members and advisory board member, and 5 volunteers who supported Summer Hope Fest, our annual fundraiser, 31 people, 8 in the Rogue Valley, were helped and $48,300 was raised!
The Atrium Foundation aspires to be a helping hand to people at one of the most vulnerable times in their life. And we firmly know no one fighting for their life should have to fight to pay their bills, put food on the table, or stay in their homes.
For more information on our social impact, please see the 2024 Impact Report at https://www.atriumfoundation.org/2024-impact-report.
dorothy.paredes@atriumfoundation.org
atriumfoundation.org
PO Box 293, Jacksonville, OR 97530
