In 2016, Deb was diagnosed with throat cancer. Her diagnosis was stage 4, and the surgeries changed her life. She lost her voice and now breathes through a hole in her neck. Deb went through daily radiation and weekly chemo, working through her recovery until she was fired.
“My cancer took my voice, along with so much of my humanity.”
Deb grew up in the South Hills and admits that she never thought about people facing poverty. It wasn’t until she was denied disability and struggled to get a job that she realized how harshly she had judged people facing challenges.
“I learned to never judge again- we never know what paths bring people to hardship and should always help.”
As Deb tried to piece together her life, she found out about SHIM. She worked with basic needs director Molly to register for the food pantry and find utility assistance. While she received assistance, she found a part time job and started catching up on mortgage payments. Eventually, she was approved for disability and was able to regain financial stability.
“I am still here not just surviving but THRIVING.”
Now Deb tries to give back in multiple ways. She crochets gaiters for the homeless and adopts stray animals. She loves nature and is an avid gardener. Deb is appreciative of life in a new way, noting that her beautiful zinnia growing out of concrete proves that beauty can arise from anything. 
“I didn’t know it at the time, but I desperately needed to learn that my heart could speak much louder than my voice ever could.”
Learn more about how SHIM helps neighbors in our Latest News section.
