We measure our success in actual lives changed. These stories are a testament to the difference that communities can make when we come together to create lasting change.
Why people believe in us
Featured Testimonial
Amy E.
Featured Testimonial
Schiler A.
Featured Testimonial
Amy C.
FEATURED TESTIMONIAL
DUANE F.
After experiencing severe pain in my ribs and undergoing several specialized tests (PET scans of my entire body as well as an MRI of my brain), I was diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer that had spread to my bones; (ribs, shoulders, collar bone, hips, and spine). Cancer was also evident in my lungs, and brain. I enlisted the help of the most recommended cancer centers in the east, Dana-Farber in Boston. My oncologist there brought together a team of specialists from Massachusetts General, Brigham Women’s, and of course the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Because the cancer was so well established throughout all these areas of my body, the team could not recommend chemo of radiation to treat the cancer. At that time, I was given 6-8 weeks to live.
Friends, family, and even complete strangers began praying for God to intervene and bring about a miracle to save my life. Of course, I did a lot of praying to God as well. I’m not sure how but my faith in His ability to bring forth a miracle began to grow. I was not afraid to die, I’d just hoped to see more of my family and friends before I passed.
My oncologist at Dana-Farber suggested that we could try a new immunotherapy that was being used with some success with melanoma patients. It would involve monthly intravenous infusions of a combination of two immunotherapy drugs. I immediately agreed to give it a try. I figured at the very least the specialists could learn something from my experience, regardless of the outcome. Shortly after arriving home from Boston that first infusion landed me in the emergency room of the Glens Falls Hospital. I was in really poor shape then, super weak from the cancer. My reaction to the immunotherapy compounded my poor condition. I had lost about 20 pounds by this time. I truly doubted that I was going to make it out of there alive. I eventually regained enough strength to go home. That was 2 ½ years ago.
Within a few months, new PET and MRI scans began to reveal that some of my cancer sites had started to shrink. The cancer sites in my brain were scheduled to receive radiation, but they actually began to disappear. My brain cancer doctor in Boston stated that I’m his first patient whose brain cancer had resolved with the use of immunotherapy. There were a few stubborn cancer sites that required surgery. A small portion of my right kidney was removed, (this is where it all started), and a portion of my large intestine was removed.
My oncologist is truly amazed by my progress, he states that I have “No evidence of cancer.” Because my doctors cannot explain the positive results of my situation. I presently still go to Boston every three months for new PET and MRI scan to evaluate my progress. Because of the unheard-of progress my body was experiencing at beating cancer, it was decided that I could stop the monthly immunotherapy infusions at the two-year mark. That was June 2022.
We just got home from Boston today from the most recent set of PET and MRI scans. Results: “No evidence of cancer.” And he is still amazed that I was standing there talking to him, reflecting on my condition 2 ½ years earlier.
Before leaving Boston today I stopped at the Bio-Bank to donate three vials of my blood for research purposes. As I was leaving, I made a point of speaking to the attending hematologist. I explained my cancer journey and asked her to be sure and give my blood a good look to try to find out why I’m still alive. Throughout all of this I’ve felt the need to help others, and I truly feel that God can give us the tools that we need to combat this awful disease. All we have to do is believe, and ask.
Duane Finch, Newcomb Fire Department
FEATURED TESTIMONIAL
PETE H.
Thank you to believe NNY, because of your support during my days of cancer and recovery I am still able to pursue my bucket list and got to meet my newest grandson, born in December 2022. And enjoy all my grand children.
PETE HOYT, PIERRPONT FIRE DPET.
FEATURED TESTIMONIAL
Kimberly Ann
I myself have been fighting triple negative breast cancer that started out as stage two b invasive ductal carcinoma. Did aggressive chemo, radiation an double mastectomy. During surgery they found more cancer in my lymph nodes so they removed 11 of them as well. So now my right arm bothers me from time to time. January 27 2022 I was in remission I was happy an excited. 34 mother of two beat this nasty disease. Six months pass an I was having some pain in my right lower side by my ribs so did pet scan an X-rays only to find out my cancer was back an in my liver an lungs also some spots of my bones. Worse time an news to ever here. I broke down an then hit back up an told myself this isn’t going to beat me. I will continue to fight. So after more test an talking with my doctors we started another aggressive rounds of chemo one called the red devil. It was working but after the 3rd cycle in September I got very sick an ended up in Hepburn hospital for 5 days needing blood an platelets an lots of antibiotics bc on top of the chemo I got pneumonia.
I was very scared an thought that was the end for me. But I got back up an got better. Had to let my body recoup for almost a month after that. We met with doctors again an did more test, scans an genetic testing. Switched the hole treatment plan again as my body couldn’t handle the red devil again. We have started a new treatment that was FDA approved in 2021 an is meant for my type of cancer. We have done two cycles out of 21 so far. I’m doing great with it. I go every week for the chemotherapy am with till the 21 cycles are done. I will continue to fight, pray an conquer this battle. An I have learned no one fights alone. We are all here for one another an it’s amazing...
Kimberly Ann - Hammond Fire Dept.
FEATURED TESTIMONAL
HARRY BUXTON
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My thanks to Believe today, I will have my 18th radiation treatment at Glens Falls Hospital. I spent Christmas thru New Years in the hospital. Doing much better now. Just wanted to thank you for your assistance.
HARRY BUXTON
FEATURED TESTIMONAL
LAWRENCE HALL JR.
As a member of the West Carthage Fire Department, I would like to personally thank Believe NNY for the assistance that they have given to some 8 of our members that have suffered some type of debilitating disease. Without their help, some of our members would have been hit with serious medical bills and without the help provided by Believe it may have caused a very bad situation to become worse. Unfortunately, we have lost a few of the recipients but after speaking with the families they were very thankful for the concern that was given, not to mention the visits made to them and always the compassion showed them. I may be part of the organization, but as a fellow Fire Fighter I know first-hand how something like Believe NNY can help and be a little comfort for them. If you see it in your heart, please click that Donate button on this site and help us help more.
LAWRENCE HALL JR.
WEST CARTHAGE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.