Impact Stories
Low-income women are often diagnosed in later stages of cancer when the survival rates drop dramatically. Our clients range from the homeless to the working poor, and their numbers are growing dramatically each year.
Client Stories
CMC clients experience unique healing provided by our practitioners. They are welcomed with open arms and find relief from some of the side effects of their traditional cancer treatments.
Women who have come to CMC are dealing with unbelievably difficult lives and now have cancer on top of it. When at the clinic, they are incredibly loving or sometimes mad, but they’re INSPIRING. It’s like seeing women holding all the things that are happening and going forward and being so appreciative. What CMC DOES matters.
Pythria
Pythria’s mother had died from breast cancer. Eight years later, Pythria was diagnosed with breast cancer in the same breast and same spot. She suffered third degree burns from radiation treatment and endured constant pain and lymphedema. A few months after completing her radiation treatments and a lumpectomy, she found the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic.
“When I first arrived at Charlotte’s, I felt as though I had been shell-shocked, manhandled, and I was quite disillusioned,” Pythria said. “But, once there, I found warmth and humanity that I hadn’t felt in months. I am very thankful for the referral to Charlotte’s. The extremely caring customer service, individualized care, the convenience of weekend hours, and supplemental organic fruits and vegetables have been most helpful and greatly appreciated.”
Pythria has been a CMC client for 7 years.
JUDITH
After a misdiagnosis, Judith was finally diagnosed with a large cancerous mass in her colon. The surgery to remove the mass was a success, but Judith had an especially awful reaction to the chemotherapy she received afterwards. Judith’s body had rejected the chemo and the subsequent negative symptoms brought her to her knees.
After 4 months in bed, Judith was put in contact with the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic. “I felt downtrodden and weak and could barely walk to my initial appointment,” Judith said. “But at Charlotte Maxwell, I found the essence of good care that all of a sudden helped me physically and spiritually.”
Judith has been a CMC client for 4 years.
Community Stories
Volunteer practitioners make it possible for CMC to provide free integrative cancer care to underserved women with cancer.
Let’s meet some of CMC’s community heroines!
Jessica - FORMER CMC STAFF
“Our clinic is the one safe place where we listen, love, and support. Color, culture, religion, and status do not matter in the clinic…we all represent one community.”
What brought you to us?
I grew up in an Asian American family with a history of colon cancer. My CMC colleagues are inspirational, kind, and loving. Through the clients and staff, I have learned the true meaning of compassion. The people I met will always stay in my heart. Working at the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic ultimately led to my switching my college major from Business to Public Health.
Susan - CMC Reflexologist - 12 Years
“Volunteering with Charlotte Maxwell has strengthened my mind, body, and soul. I take this strength and return it to my clients. They are so kind and appreciative of our services.”
What brought you to us?
While caring for my grandmother, who was living with lung cancer, I massaged her legs and feet. She said, ‘Susan, you should be a caregiver because your hands are so soothing.’ I never forgot her words. Her encouragement led to my earning my Reflexology Certification, followed by my Swedish Massage Certification and my completing a course in Massaging People Living with Cancer.
“We were so ahead of our time.” -Sally Savitz
Ali – CMC Interpreter – 5 Years
What brought you to us?
I learned about the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic and was impressed with the clinic’s mission and practices. Then, I studied Western Herbal Medicine and became even more interested in the alternative therapies the clinic provides. Now, I volunteer at CMC as support staff and offer my conversational Spanish skills to clients who need interpretation during their sessions.
Tricia – CMC Exercise Counselor – 2 Years
What brought you to us?
Sunflower Wellness [now Maple Tree Cancer Alliance]. We specialize in Exercise Counseling and have worked with Charlotte Maxwell Clinic for years.
“The clients are truly inspiring,” Tricia says. “I love being a part of something that is fueled by a desire to help and support each other through some of the hardest times.”