My Nonprofit Reviews

On Halloween 2016, my ENT doctor (dressed as a Ninja Turtle Warrior), told me my biopsy revealed CANCER! Stage Four nasopharyngeal cancer.

And then, not at a turtle's pace, my life spun out of control! So many decisions to make regarding something to which I had no knowledge.

I'm a person who researches all options before making a decision. Not an easy project when it comes to how to survive cancer. So many different kinds of cancer, so many treatment options! Mind boggling!

The one decision that was clear to me as soon as I found out about THE GABRIEL HOUSE, was it's where I needed to be to get me through the grueling radiation treatments required in an unfamiliar town!

My caregiver and I made Gabriel House our home for eight weeks. Before I became too ill to participate, I enjoyed the art and meditation classes, and the peaceful setting snuggled under lush pines and vegetation next to the ever entertaining pond. And, the well-equipped shared kitchen was an unexpectedly delightful experience. So clean and organized. So generous: healthy snacks and treats available, and all those wonderful meals prepared by local non-profit organizations and restaurants!! Ahhhhmazing! Such a comfort.

Though not long into my journey, I could no longer swallow and had to miss out on some incredible-looking meals, my caregiver was spoiled and loved it!

The staff was so accommodating. Not hovering, just available if you needed them. Kind, compassionate and caring about your needs.

Meeting other people in all modes of health crises was helpful. Friendships get formed during this crucial time.

I spent a lot of time in that comfortable bed that felt like I was in a Hampton Inn! As sick as I was, I felt pampered.

I'm so very grateful for the Gabriel House: all of it's staff, donors, and affiliated organizations that make it possible for people going through life threatening crises to have a place they can relax and recouperate as they endure life altering treatments.

My recovery seems slower than a turtle's crawl (and as a Sea Turtle Scout for over a decade, I know first-hand, they really are slow!)... however certain moments of my recovery I will cherish (and many I try to forget). Gabriel House is a good memory.

Thank you for offering me affordable shelter in the storm ...to receive life-saving cancer treatment not offered in my home town!

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