My name is Nancy, and a few years ago, I became isolated. After my husband of 37 years passed away in 2011, everything in my life changed. Years later, my sweet Dachshund Lucy died, and not long after, I learned my cancer had returned.
I remember sitting alone after one of my treatments, thinking, What’s the use of going through all this if I have to come home and be alone? And may I tell you, I learned what “silence is deafening” means. My doctor used to tell me I was making cancer look easy, but what they didn’t realize was how deeply the isolation was wearing me down.
Then one day, a social worker introduced me to FriendshipWorks, and my days began to feel different. They arranged for a medical escort to accompany me to my appointments. As a person who is legally blind, just knowing a volunteer like Tom from FriendshipWorks will be there — to help me get to the doctor and to share a smile along the way — it’s been life-lifting.
I’ve also been matched with a Friendly Visiting volunteer, who visits me just about every week. Our time together goes by so quickly. Mark fills me in on his children, his job and world travels, and his adorable dog Luke, who sometimes joins him on his visits. Best of all, I now have someone I can talk to besides my Alexa device.
There’s so much I can say about FriendshipWorks, and I will say this: FriendshipWorks is my North Star.
I had never reached out to anyone before because I’m too proud and I want to be independent. But I realized I needed help, and FriendshipWorks has truly guided me toward amazing people who really care about me.
As you think about giving this season, I hope you’ll include FriendshipWorks in your plans. The return on your donation is priceless and endless. People out there are living with loneliness or isolation, and if they heard a human voice, it could make their day and possibly change their life. Whatever amount you can give, take my word that you are keeping the spirit of friendship and hope alive for others to experience like I have.
With heartfelt thanks,
A grateful friend of FriendshipWorks
