In 2010 I was diagnosed the Ovarian cancer, stage 3. As if dealing with that kind of life threatening diagnosis and facing major surgery and subsequent treatment wasn't scary enough, I am self-employed with no disability benefits, so I knew I not be able to pay my rent.....Several friends recommended that I contact Take the Lead. I did just that, and following a short approval process, with the help of Take the Lead, I no longer had to worry or be concerned about my living expenses during treatment.....I was able to focus all of my attention on my recovery. I really don't know how I could have gotten through it all without this wonderful organization and the peace of mind they gave me. Today I am in remission and back to training and competing with my dogs.

At the age of 39 I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and was in stage 4. The shock and devastation of finding out I had cancer and then the though of not being able to work sunk in. It was suggested by 2 dear friends that I reach out for help from Take the Lead.....the relief of knowing my bills for daily living were not going to be a burden on me and I can't thank Take the Lead enough for the help and assistance they gave me at a time of unexpected need. Cancer free now and the love of pure bred dogs still runs through my blood and I thank everyone for supporting this wonderful organization.

Things were really bleak. The day before, the doctor had told me that my husband, Emil Klinckhardt, had only three weeks to live. The cancer had spread and we were out of options.....I was just reading the letter from the mortgage company threatening eviction.....this was 1995 and Take the Lead was still pretty new. I filled out the paperwork and faxed it off.....The next day, late morning, I got a call from the office, the mortgage payment was up to date.....I couldn't believe it. In 24 hours, I had been rescued.....At a time when the world was falling down around us, Take the Lead stepped in and made a terrible time less painful. It was done anonymously. No one would have ever known.....if I hadn't said anything. I've never kept it a secret. This was certainly one of the kindest that has ever happened to me.......Thank you, again, Take the Lead. You are the best.

I am beside myself with relief and happiness. I can't even begin to tell you and the committee just how much this means. For the first time in months/years I find that there is someone out there who not only cares but can help. Thank you so much from the bottom of my soul.