My Nonprofit Reviews

Just a few words of thanks to you (Jen Berko) and A Shelter for Cancer Families for the beautiful and upscale apartment you provided for us during our crucial time of need. It is absolutely beautiful, much more than we imagined or expected!
The living area is spacious and comfortable. We leave the blinds open all day just to look over the beautiful pool. Reminds me of a resort hotel! Hopefully, we’ll get to use it in April. I’m enjoying the convenient office area fitted for me. And, although I never leave home without my Holy Bible and inspirational books, I find there is a great selection of encouraging literature right at the tip of my hands! Albert takes his “blanket” to hospital, too. Keeps him warm all day!
It gives me pleasure to look over the great artwork of children who have stayed here before us. The dining room area is enjoyed with every meal. Didn’t want to scratch the table more, so I placed a tablecloth over it. That’s our favorite meeting place.
The kitchen area is absolutely gorgeous! I’m enjoying preparing meals for Albert, as he can’t seem to develop a taste for fast food, yet. And, I’m making him soft foods that he can swallow without too much pain. The fridge is perfect size and I bought enough food for 2 months only. Thanks to the foods left in the fridge and pantry, we don’t have to buy much.
So glad to have a washer and dryer! Although, I didn’t mind, other lodging places have laundry rooms outside of apartment for the use of all residents. We often wait in line to do our laundry. It’s so convenient here! And, thank you for soaps and softeners provided. We usually bring our own linens, towels and sheets, so others can enjoy the ones you provide.
Albert is enjoying the beautiful bedroom. I sleep on the couch wherever we go, so as not to disturb his sleep. I check on him often to make sure he’s still breathing, as that becomes a problem with throat cancer. And, the closets are spacious enough for all our garments and suitcases. We decided not to unpack everything. Our stay is so short wherever we go. So, we’re kind of living out of our suitcases. We’re just glad to have such a great place to stay.
I just started using the fitness center this week. We’d been so busy with treatments and other medical appointments. His last treatment is Saturday. At my age, I can’t do too much exercising. I’ve had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders, knee cartilage surgery on both knees and surgery for a broken arm. So, I can’t use treadmill, anymore. But, I can use the stationery bike for about an hour daily. I get to relax from all the stress, exercise to help my joints and muscles, and pray over all the worry, fears and concerns. I feel humbled and so richly blessed! The shower and bathroom are so appealing! Relaxing & enjoyable! Enjoying all the toiletries provided.
Covered parking is great! Albert walks for exercise. But, he takes the complex map to find his way back. It’s an absolute maze! We laugh about it all the time. He carries his phone just in case he gets lost. I do too. Thank you for all your help and support! And, making our stay in Houston a lot more pleasant.
But, your help didn’t start there. It began with our application to ASFC. Your responded with an offer to serve as a navigator for us. Being new to cancer treatment, we didn’t know how navigation worked. Jen, you approached us in a special kind of way that made us trust and feel comfortable with you. It was as though we had just found a great new friend! Your explanation of how navigation works seemed most appropriate for us. First, you wanted to know all about our journey with cancer, the diagnosis, and treatment plan. With this information in hand, you became a participant in our meetings with all our doctors. You listened intently and took great notes. With your expertise, you asked the proper questions. Sometimes, questions that we had overlooked or not even thought of! You were assertive but respectful to the medical staff at all times. I was delighted to hear the fast tapping of your fingers on the keyboard. I knew you were a highly skilled professional! I was overwhelmed with the final transcription and reports you sent me by email. Your notes were literally verbatim! And, I shared them with my daughters who are out of town. Your reports gave them a better understanding of the medical procedures and treatment plan. They couldn’t be thankful enough! I kept them for record keeping. I felt no need for my personal tape recorder, anymore! Your note taking was better! ASFC provides a service that is absolutely necessary to cancer patients and their families. It helps make the whole tragic process just a little easier. I highly recommend navigation to everyone!
God bless every one of you at ASFC for your outstanding work and compassion. I pray that your organization will receive 100-fold blessings, financial support and funding to continue to help other cancer patients and their families. Thank you for a great job! From our hearts to yours with love – Janie & Albert Montez