From Cancer & Crisis to Community & Christ

Two years ago, Colleen called Together for Good Iowa seeking a long-term hosting for her son, Caleb, while she received an inpatient bone marrow transplant to treat her cancer. As a single mom, Colleen had no support for Caleb, and the hospital wouldn’t allow Caleb to stay with Colleen for the six weeks of her treatment. 

Two host families immediately said yes to welcoming Caleb into their homes. One was a primary host family, and the other family offered consistent respite breaks.

During the hostings, Caleb was able to go to splash pads, go fishing, take swimming lessons, attend multiple VBS weeks, and, most importantly, get ice cream. His host families also ensured that Caleb was able to make several visits to see his mom while she was hospitalized. Despite being away from his mom for such a scary reason, Caleb was surrounded by love and security.

As Colleen’s treatment progressed, there were several difficult topics that TFG staff and host families had to navigate, the most challenging being the possibility that Colleen would not survive. Caleb’s host families gently navigated these conversations, as best they could.

The hard issues came to a head when Colleen was no longer able to sustain his fears and anger related to the possible death of his mom. Even as Caleb’s fears caused him to act out in difficult ways, his host families continued to respond with kindness. When Colleen was released from the hospital and Caleb returned to her care, these TFG host families continued to wrap around both Caleb and Colleen.

Although Caleb hasn’t been hosted as frequently since the original long-term hosting, those host families and Colleen’s TFG parent advocate continue to go above and beyond for Colleen and Caleb. They have thrown birthday parties for Caleb, helped with numerous moves, and pursued an intentional relationship with Colleen. Colleen’s TFG case manager shared, “Over the last 2 years, these volunteers have been intentional in acts of loving this mom and her son. They have given them honor, dignity, and a place in their lives.”

Through each difficult point and transition, TFG volunteers stood alongside Colleen and Caleb. Despite having to move multiple times over the last couple of years, Colleen has been determined to remain in Des Moines because, as she shared with TFG staff, she has friends (TFG volunteers) who have been her backup during each and every transition.

Most beautiful, though, has been how Colleen’s faith in Jesus has grown. Colleen was resistant to the idea of faith when she first came to TFG. But again and again, God has provided for her needs through Together for Good. The TFG volunteers who have been supporting Colleen are quick to give thanks to Christ and point out God’s continued faithfulness in both Colleen and Caleb’s lives. Local churches have gone above and beyond in helping Colleen with food and rent assistance. Colleen and Caleb have truly experienced the body of Christ – and that has made all the difference.

Recently, Caleb and Colleen have been attending church. Colleen continues to reach out to her parent advocate and host families for help, but also just for friendship. These trusted relationships are more than just a safety net – they are a life-changing community.

Sometimes, the impact of Together for Good is seen right away – a child has a safe place to stay while his mom receives medical care. Other times, the true impact is seen further down the road – a life transformed by Jesus through consistent, loving support from Christians.

We are so grateful for the incredible volunteers who have faithfully pursued both Colleen and Caleb; their lives have truly been transformed.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy. Photos have been shared with permission.