Tina’s Story

Tina was a devoted wife whose life changed overnight when her husband, Cal, was diagnosed with late-stage esophageal cancer. As his condition declined rapidly, Tina left her job to care for him full time, ensuring he could remain at home during hospice surrounded by love.

Tina leaned on trusted community partners, including the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry Program and a voucher through the Community Care Center, to help cover basic needs during Cal’s illness. Even with those supports in place, gaps remained—particularly transportation costs for frequent medical appointments. After Cal’s passing, Tina began navigating survivor benefits, facing an uncertain waiting period at a time when stability mattered most. LEAVEN stepped in with a crucial, gap-filling mortgage payment that helped her remain stably housed during an incredibly vulnerable time.

Emergency assistance helps families like Tina’s remain stable during end-of-life care, preventing financial collapse during moments of grief. Cal’s legacy lives on through the strength, love, and determination of Tina.