Posted on

12/14/2017

String notes

a blog by elisa guida
12/14/17

This is the perfect time to reflect on the StringsforaCURE® Foundation.  A few years after my second breast cancer diagnosis, I came up with the idea of helping breast cancer patients by transforming famous musician’s guitars strings into jewelry. Sitting on the idea for a few years and knowing life would be forever changed, I embarked on turning the StringsforaCURE Foundation into a 501(c)(3) charity in 2010. The vision was always to provide help directly to breast cancer patients. In the beginning, it was through gas, grocery and pharmacy gift cards.  As we continued to raise more funds for our Programs, we began to add programs, such as our Medical Assistance Grants and Living Expense grants to name a few.  In my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined that in 7 short years StringsforaCURE would have reached a milestone of a Quarter Million Dollars given directly to breast cancer patients through our Programs that provide financial assistance and emotional support to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. On December 6, 2017 we just celebrated that Quarter Million Milestone with our many loyal supporters!

A few years ago, our paths crossed with the Tutu Project of the Carey Foundation through the magic of social media, Instagram to be exact. We are so glad this happened. The StringsforaCURE Foundation received a $7500 grant in 2016 and is receiving a $2500 grant in 2017. The funds are used for our Medical Grant and Living Expense Grant Programs.  These grants are awarded to breast cancer patients who live within a 60 mile radius of Erie, PA.  If they qualify, they can receive up to $1500.

If the patient is awarded a grant from StringsforaCURE, they are required to submit a comment answering our question:  Let us know how you benefitted from this grant?

The words of Linda Webb say it all and why we know that the StringsforaCURE Foundation is making a difference. Linda was awarded an $1100.00 Living Expense Grant from StringsforaCURE to help with her October and November rent payments of $550.00 each.

Here is Linda’s story:

There are several words in the English language that can terrify a person. The word that scared me was the word CANCER. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. I immediately thought that my life was over. Who would help me financially, socially, medically and personally? I gave up hope and then found out that there are special people out there who know what I am going through and are willing to help in whatever way they can. StringsforaCURE was a Godsend that showed up in one of the lowest times. What a blessing to know that someone has gone through what I am experiencing and is still thriving, but also that person has taken on a commitment to help others. I know I am not alone in my battle and the word CANCER has lost some of its power. Thank you for caring and helping others. You have inspired me to keep on fighting. Instead of giving up hope, I now see that hope through you.

If there is anything I can do to help others, I want to do that. Thank you for showing me how to turn something bad into something good.

It is patients like Linda that keep on inspiring the StringsforaCURE Foundation to continue on with their mission. We thank the Tutu Project of the Carey Foundation for believing in our mission.