Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Community Partners Unite to Aid a Young Boy’s Battle
When the intake Vincentian at our St. Thomas the Apostle conference listened to the voicemail messages one day, she heard a plea for help: “Hello, I’m Marie, a social worker at Methodist Hospital. Please call me back.”
Dylan was diagnosed with nasal cavity cancer in February. This aggressive form of cancer had the potential to reach his brain. By the time of his surgery in March, the tumor had grown to within one centimeter of his brain. Dylan needed 28 radiation treatments, but they could not begin until after critical dental work, including tooth extraction, fillings, and deep cleaning, was completed. The total cost for the dental work was estimated at $1,430. Insurance covered $578, leaving a balance of $852.
Already a month behind on rent, Dylan’s parents were struggling financially due to reduced work hours caused by his illness. They did not have the means to cover the dental expenses.
Upon hearing their story, the Vincentians at St. Thomas the Apostle stepped in. They delivered the first check to the dental office, covering the $852 balance. With the dental work completed, Dylan could begin his radiation treatments. The second check went to the landlord, paying the past-due rent and providing much-needed relief to the family.
This case underscores the importance of community partnership. Without the dedicated efforts of social worker Marie and the responsive support from the Vincentians at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Dylan’s family might not have received the timely help they needed.
Dylan’s journey is a testament to the power of community and the impact of compassionate outreach. Together, we can make a difference, one family at a time.
Uplift families in need today!
Established in 1871, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is a 501(c)3 faith-based organization with a mission for members to grow spiritually through person-to-person service in our community. The Society serves 10 counties throughout the greater Houston area through a network of 54 parish-based chapters ("Conferences"), more than 1,700 volunteers ("Vincentians"), and a food network of localized pantries. Assistance is given to neighbors in need throughout the Galveston-Houston area through its Home Visit Program, Food Network, Clothing Vouchers, Resiliency Programs, and Disaster Response.