PORTLAND, Oregon — Volunteers came together Saturday to help a North Portland mom fighting cancer, a mission that's been going on for almost 20 years.
Michelle's Love was founded in Portland by Andy McCandless, who started the nonprofit 19 years ago when she saw her best friend barely make ends meet while undergoing cancer treatment.
So far, Michelle's Love has helped 228, including Jennifer.
"She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is having a mastectomy Tuesday," explained McCandless.
On Saturday, one of the volunteers, Marcy Thomas, helped out by cleaning Jennifer's kitchen. Just a few years ago, she was in the same position.
"I was diagnosed when I was 37 about five-and-half years ago with triple-negative breast cancer," recalled Thomas. "I had a 12-year-old son at the time, and I am a single mom. It just feels great to help out, and I know what kind of peace of mind that will bring the mom."
But their assistance doesn't end there.
"We pay their rent or mortgage payments up to six months while they're undergoing cancer treatment," said McCandless.
The nonprofit also supplies frozen meals.
McCandless said she just wants to make sure parents have time to heal and spend time with their kids during some of the toughest moments of their life.
"She will have a clean house, a clean yard; she'll have food on her table, and she'll have her rent paid," said McCandless. "She can just concentrate on her daughter and just getting better."