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7-year old, Isabella just wants to grow up and become a ballerina. Cancer, however, had other ideas – leading to Isabella being hospitalized and her mom, Christina, receiving an eviction notice. Just as they were about to become homeless, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha stepped in.
As background…. Originally from Mexico, single mom, Christina, began working as a back-of-the-house “prep” cook at a local midtown restaurant, shortly after she and Isabella immigrated to the United States and moved to the area a couple of years ago. Renting a small, rundown apartment, Christina has been doing her very best to care for Isabella and pay their bills. In early 2024, Isabella, a 2nd grader, wasn’t feeling well. Often nauseous, Isabella told her mom she had pain “in her tummy.” She also didn’t have much of an appetite. Christina took Isabella to her pediatrician, who almost immediately referred her to an oncologist at a local hospital. After a series of tests, Isabella was diagnosed with liver cancer. “It was so unbelievable,” shares Christina. “I didn’t know what to do, other than to just keep loving my Isabella.” Christina, who was already living “paycheck-to-paycheck,” needed to request off work to be with Isabella and take her to medical appointments. Soon after her initial diagnosis, Isabella was hospitalized – a number of times – receiving various cancer treatments and surgeries. Naturally, this necessitated Christina taking off even more time from work. Christina got behind on her bills, which began to mount. As Christina’s meager savings was running out, even having enough money to buy food became scarce. It wasn’t long before Christina received notice that their home’s electricity service would be shut off – due to lack of payment. Shortly after that, Christina received their eviction notice. Hopeless, nearly homeless and not knowing where to turn for help, Christina searched online and made a request for assistance to more than ten non-profit organizations. Only one replied to her – the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. 
I thank God that Christina asked for help. In addition to covering her overdue rent and utility bill, the Society has also helped Christina by providing a bed and new mattress for Isabella, along with a thrift store voucher to purchase other much-needed household items. And, of course, we’ve been providing pantries to this little family, supplying them
with enough food to last a good long while. We continue to be in close contact with Christina, supporting her and Isabella through this extremely difficult time in their lives. Christina expressed her gratitude to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul many, many times – which I’m passing on to you, friends of, and donors to our organization. At just 7 years old, Isabella has been confronted with a challenge that no child should ever face. Since she was diagnosed earlier this year, Isabella's life and the life of her mom have been turned upside down. Despite the pain and uncertainty, Isabella has shown incredible strength, optimism, and resilience, well beyond her years. Please keep Isabella and Christina in your prayers this summer. We are immensely thankful to all of you - our donors - who allow us to stay by this family's side as they navigate this extremely difficult time. |
Gifts to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are used to care for the people who turn to us during their hour of need and are greatly appreciated. All of our services are provided at no cost. All gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Our donor information is kept in strict confidence. Our donor lists are never rented, shared or exchanged with other organizations. The stories in our letters are real. Identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy and therapeutic interests of those we serve. For more information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, or to include us in your estate planning, please contact Development Director, Tim Sully, at (402) 779-8499 or at [email protected].
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Executive Director
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
