A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Amy Rowley was 42 when she heard her diagnosis: invasive ductal carcinoma or more clearly, breast cancer. It was unexpected and unwelcome. Amy had optimal resources, including health care, a loving husband, nearby parents and two daughters. She had flexible employment and friends. That made the situation more tenable, but still complicated and challenging.
In January 2018, as Amy was finishing her active treatment of chemo, surgery and radiation, she was inspired to create The Mayday Foundation. She was personally aware that most people don’t have a deep net of support, and some people have next to none. Even when one element goes missing, the whole of life can come crashing down. Amy wanted a local nonprofit to help families with children with the non-medical, household costs.
The Mayday Foundation Today
As The Mayday Foundation approaches its seventh anniversary, Amy looks back as she also looks forward. “Not much is new, because this works” says Amy. The focus on helping families with children with their non-medical expenses remains constant. The Foundation reduces financial toxicity keeping people from filing for bankruptcy or having to move. That is happening.
The Mayday Foundation has built relationships with numerous care facilities locally and regionally. Social workers contact the Foundation directly. This means people are already vetted and have financial need. “It allows me to start helping right away,” Amy says. Nearly a quarter of the people find her through word of mouth or the network of other cancer patients. “Then I make sure it is all legitimate,” she continues. She connects with the social worker, hopefully leading to even more help for the family. “I communicate with people in any way that works for them.” She is happy to text or call and to reduce any barriers that create stress.
“We may be paying a landlord or a bank for housing payments,” explains Amy. “People may need gas or food.” The Mayday Foundation does not make cable or internet payments. People do not receive any cash directly. Families may receive gift cards that can be used for food or household items. On the average, families receive support for one to three months. The intention was never to be on-going, but to make a difference when things are especially tight and ultimately keep people in their homes.
“Fifty percent of Mayday recipients have breast cancer,” Amy says. “Half of those are single mom’s. Eighty percent have never asked for help before.” Other diagnosis include lymphoma, brain tumors and leukemia.
Holiday Healing with The Mayday Foundation
Holidays are emotional times and can be more poignant for families dealing with cancer. During this time of year, a unique core of volunteers gathers to collect holiday gifts for the families with The Mayday Foundation. With information on hand from forms filled out by the families, volunteers shop for specific items that are age appropriate and in the correct size. Families who may have already maxed out their Mayday Foundation benefits still are included in the holiday giving. “I can’t solve all their problems. I can make it easier for a short period of time,” says Amy.
Attention is given so that each child gets something to wear, something to read and something that qualifies as fun. People who donate to this program may request that funds be spent in a particular county, if desired. Recipients may live in Thurston, Mason, Lewis or Grays Harbor counties.
Join The Mayday Foundation Board
“I have awesome people on the board with business acumen and connections in the community. They challenge my thoughts,” says Amy. Meetings are usually on Zoom and from time to time in person. If you are interested in becoming part of the board, you can contact Amy.
Life Goes On After Cancer Diagnosis
“Once a cancer patient, always a cancer patient,” is something this group of people understands. Anxiety lessens when treatment and subsequent healing happen, but there remains an undercurrent of anxiety. When Amy goes back for regular check-ups, the sounds, smells and sights at the doctor’s office bring the early visits back with a vengeance.
“I hear a lot of cancer stories,” explains Amy. “I understand what moms are thinking about. I can be helpful. It was a dark time in my life.” Now Amy can look back and help others understand that it is possible to get through the early, hard stages. She assures parents, “Your kids are going to be okay.” Amy recalls that she got to know two women who were six months further along on the path. “I called on them,” she recalls, remembering how helpful it was.
Amy runs The Mayday Foundation from her kitchen table. She manages it around the rest of her life, which includes working part-time at Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry, where her husband practices. Her younger daughter went off to college this fall, and the older sister is enrolled at another out-of-state university. Amy is missing that part of her life but keeps in regular touch with her girls and looks forward to their visits. She is the secretary at SOGO, Student Orchestra of Greater Olympia, where one daughter used to play. She is also on the board for MultiCare Capital Pacific Regional Board and MultiCare Capital Foundation, where the current project is raising money for a second mammography machine for the new women’s clinic.
For more information, visit The Mayday Foundation website, call 206.498.7444 or email info@maydayfoundation.org.
