Young Mother Faces Cancer With Help of Catholic Charities
By Connie Blaney
Catholic Charities 

OKLAHOMA CITY — She has had to grow up before her time. At 22 years of age, one should be in the peak of good health, enjoying life, graduating from college, starting a new career, and looking forward to marriage and family. For Rita, this is not the case.

It was seven months ago when she heard the frightening news. Four months pregnant, Rita was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was now faced with some of the most difficult decisions of her life. Do I have chemotherapy? Will this risk my unborn baby’s health?
What will I do about my job and how will I pay my bills?

In spite of the risks, Rita was determined to continue her pregnancy. With a strong faith in God, she finally reached out for help. “I have always been a person who took care of myself. It was hard for me to admit I could not do this alone,” Rita said. After several phone calls with no help on the horizon, she dialed Family Support Services at Catholic Charities. “Catholic Charities came to my aid. My life has changed dramatically since that first phone call,” she said

It has been a bumpy road for Rita. Her first battle was to tolerate the chemotherapy through five more months of pregnancy. Enduring physical pain and exhaustion, Rita tried to keep working at the nursing home. Eventually, no longer able to lift her patients, she was forced to quit her job with no paid maternity leave. She was now faced with even more challenging obstacles in her path — the need for food, money, and shelter for her family. To add to her worries, Rita has custody of her five-year-old niece. There would be three mouths to feed when the baby was born.

Just when Rita thought she was alone with no place to turn, caseworkers at Catholic Charities entered her life. “It is easier to accept help when you know children are depending on you,” she said. Through the efforts of Family Support Services, and St. Eugene Parish in Oklahoma City, Rita now has a place to live and a support network group for her family. Vouchers were provided for housing and food. A social worker helped Rita receive prenatal care and medical assistance. Now her future includes hope and gratitude.

Two months ago, a miracle happened. Rita was blessed with a healthy baby girl. “I thank the Lord for brightening my life with this beautiful baby, and a wonderful support group to help me get through these difficult times,” Rita said. “I want people to know that a mother-to-be can choose chemotherapy and still have a healthy baby.”

Help for Rita and her two children has brought some stability to her life. Volunteers through St. Eugene and Project Gabriel assist her with babysitting, cooking, taking her to the doctor, and other household chores. Counseling is also provided through St. Eugene. “Our goal is to support Rita in every way that is possible. We will link her to any other community resources that will collaborate with Catholic Charities to meet any needs identified,” said Alma Burrell, Director of Family Support.

 “We also want Rita and her family to feel safe, secure, and to honor their need for privacy and independence, as they go through the healing process,” said caseworkers Erin Lusk and Pat Hernandez Byers.

Rita’s future is uncertain. She still continues her fight against cancer with tough decisions ahead. She is comforted by her faith and the encouragement of others. She is also reassured that she is no longer alone.

 “People who think their donation to Catholic Charities doesn’t make a difference are wrong. Even a small donation pays for something. It could be a dozen diapers for a child, or one night’s meal on the table for a family in need,” Rita said. “I am just so grateful for the love, generosity and support I have received from everyone. Catholic Charities has brightened my journey and given me hope.”