Testimonials from a Neighbor in
Need helped by
Giving Neighbors
Received 8/10/10 "Dear Giving Neighbors, My name is P.C. and I'm 44 years old. About ten years ago I was involved in an ATV accident where I lost most of my front teeth. I financially have never been able to afford a dentist so they were not ever repaired. Since then I have had teeth problems whre they would become loose, so I had to pull a lot of them out using pliers. I feel so fortunate now that I am going to get the opportunity to get my teeth pulled and get dentures. I have always been a happy go lucky kind of person, but always hid my mouth and wouldn't smile because of my missing teeth. Now I can hardly wait to smile the biggest smile with "gusto". Thank you so much for what you have done for me and my future! Sincerel, P.C."Received 05/27/10 "I would like to thank The Giving Neighbors for Giving me the opportunity to eat and smile again. I also would like to thank the wonderful staff and doctor's at Baylor Dental College. C.B."
Received 12/28/09 "Hi, my name is Chuck and the folks at The Giving Neighbors asked me to tell you a bit about how they help me. I'm 49 years old, and have been lifting weights for 35 years. On June 18, 2009, I reached over to grab a weight from the floor, which I had done 100's of times before, and my distal biceps tendon snapped. I knew when I did it it was a REAL problem because I didn't have health insurance, and that meant that I was one of the millions who was "on their own" without insurance on any given day. I went to my local P.A. and he told me "well, good luck" when I told him that I had no health insurance. Now, I'm not a bum, but , I don't have the resources for health insurance. I'm self employeed and I have a friend that I help that is a type 1 diabetic (another story). I called around and literally had the phone hung up on me several times when I told folks that I was uninsured. Who needs a bicep attached, anyway, right? After 2 1/2 months I finally found a program that would help me with the surgery, but, not with the R.O.M. (Range of Motion/ranger) brace that I needed post op. That's when someon directed me to The Giving Neighbors. I was told that tehy would help me, and they did just that. The Giving Neighbors purchased my ROM brace which helped to speed my recovery, protect my progress and to allow me to not worry about post-op injury. Although I had injured my arm on June 18, 2009, I wasn't able to get surgery until October 7th, 2009. better than not at all, but, certainly not the best route for a postive long term outcome. On December 28th, 2009, I made my final post-op visit to my surgeon. Things went way better than he, and I, could have hoped for. I was in a cast for only 12 days. I had full range of motion in my arm in 34 days (normal is 90 days). I was in the R.O.M. brace for 17 days (we thought we'd need it on for 8 weeks, but, I progressed way faster than most folks). I have my bicep back for daily activities. Awesome! To The Giving Neighbors, and their supporters, I happily say: thank you, thank you, thank you. If this has bee passed along to you, however, I'd like you to ponder how we treat each other, and, in particulaer, our sick or injured. ....Your help to The Giving Neighbors will help someone, like me, or like my roommate, a 21 year old diabetic without insurance. Sometimes, being on your own, or doing the best your can, is not enough. ... Your donation/contribution is so VERY IMPORTANT to helping folks in their time of need. Thanks so much. Your help, was for me, and those around me, life changing. Thank you. C.G.
Received 11.18.09 "The Specified Nerver Root Block (SNRB) was performed yesterday 11.18.09. My pain level went from 9 our of 10, (which I've been suffering for a month), to 5 or 6 out of 10 which is a huge difference for me. The only way this procedure could be performed was to ahve a past due balance taken care of. TGN prayed about it and decided to take care of the issue which allowed me to have the procedure performed yesterday. When all this happened I had nowhere to turn except constant prayer without insurance! I was so desperate at 1st and called one of the nurses at my orthopedics office and explained my situation and she was very kind and listened carefully. I asked for any help or suggestions she might have. She put me in touch with TGN. I am so thankful and grateful for TGN and all the help I've received from them. Surgery is next now that they know it is definitely the C7 nerve being pinched as a result of the SNRB procedure. I am not exactly sure where and how the surgery will occur yet. I did finally get my insurance but because I am a contractor it is a very limited plan and doesn't cover very much. I am diligently working with the financial counselor at Texas Health Resources Plano Presby. ....I may not qualify but TGN is encouraging me as to what to do and I just wouldn't know where to turn next without their guidance and financial help and to encouraging me to stay diligent in my efforts.....I've been telling everybody I know to make this http://www.goodsearch.com/ their search engine and be sure to choose to designate Giving Neighbors to be your charity of choice. I wasn't asked to put this in my testimony. I did it becasue I am so truly grateful and prayerful for TGN and just wanted to get the word out because I know that testimonies are read by a lot of people looking for ways to help charities. May God continue to bless TGN according to their needs as He accomplishes His will through them. God Bless TGN, J.H.
Received 10.20.09 "I am so thankful for The Giving Neighbors. Five and a half years ago, I had a good life, a good job with medical benefits, money in the bank and I was finally able to buy my very first home. For years, I had worked really hard and saved money. On the day I was moving in my home, one of the movers was about to drop a valuable piece of furniture, so I lunged to help catch it. Friends said they heard something crack, but I never noticed anything hurting. Then several weeks later I started experiencing pain and spasms in my right leg. It eventually moved up into my arm area. When it reached the neck area, the pain was too great to handle and I was rushed to the emergency clinic. After doing tests, they found I had 2 herniated discs in my neck that were pinching 2 nerves and causing my pain. After a number of procedures that did not work, surgery was necessary to correct it and it was said to be a simple procedure. This was Dec. 2003. The surgery was not successful and the nerve pain was unbearable. I was put on a number of strong oral pain meds, plus I had to wear a pain patch that needed to be changed every other day. Then Feb. 2004 I had lost my job and all my health insurance.
I was desperate to find some help when my regular medical Dr. referred me to a neurosurgeon that had successfully done back surgery on his elderly mother. After more tests they discovered the nerves were being pinched from the back side of my neck and not the front. Due to the previous surgery, I had to wait for 6 months, so it was May 2004 when I had the 2nd surgery. The Dr. felt the surgery was successful and that the nerves looked remarkably healthy due to being pinched for over 8 months. One of the nerves was corrected but the other nerve was not and was responsible for the greater amount of pain. The Dr. said it could take up to 2 years for the nerve to heal back to normal and if not, there was nothing more he could do for me. I was passed back to the Pain Management Dr., and left alone. By this time the medications were causing side effects, the pain was getting worse and the drugs were not working as well so they increased to stronger drugs. Stronger drugs would later only cause more side effects. For weeks and months I searched for help but I was constantly being turned down. I did not know what to do and the chronic pain that I was dealing with 24/7 only added to my emotional stress. Finally, July 2008, a friend happened to hear about The Giving Neighbors. I immediately contacted them and met Connie over the phone. She was a kind wonderful Christian woman that encouraged me not to give up and to keep standing on my faith. They immediately took care of the tests that I needed to have done. As a result of the tests, it was recommended that I have surgery, however, I was only given a 50/50 chance of success. There had been much prayer and Connie continued to encourage me to keep holding on to my faith and trust God. I had surgery on June 25, 2009. When I woke up I noticed a change in my hand. Three days later I woke up for the first time in 5 years without having chronic pain. The surgeon felt the nerve should heal and my life would return to normal. I first give thanks to God for answering my prayers and leading me to the Giving Neighbors, because without them I would not have had the money for all that was needed done. This truly is a worthy ministry organization, that is helping people all over with serious health needs, strictly by outside donations and support.
I thank God everyday for leading me to The Giving Neighbors. I pray that more and more people will begin to lend a hand and to support them financially.
With much love and gratitude, C.D.
Received 9.23.09 "Connie, I feel like I've received a miracle! Thank you Giving Neighbors, and thank you Connie and Cynthia! I also thank our Lord in Heaven for answering my prayers. I have been praying for this miracle and finally received it. The Lord sent me to Giving Neighbors and they helped to deliver me from my pain and my withdrawal from life. By allowing me the opportunity to get all of my dental work done, the Giving Neighbors gave me a new beginning! I can eat again! No more infection, pain, and frustration! Thanks again to you all for giving the help I needed and the will to share my life with others again! God bless you all! T.H.
Received 05.12.09 "I have never been so amazed with what the power of Faith can do for someone. My prayers sometimes take years to come into light as this one did. But it did!! Right on Time! I asked God, Please Lord just help me better myself, so that I can be a better mother for my children. As well as the fact that I am now stepping into woman hood, I need to go in the right way. I can now express myself with glory and now I am looked at in a new positive light, where before I was stuck in depression, just barely holding on by a hair. I went through my procedure thinking that I know this is the best option, go with it. Dentures??? Wasn't so sure but hey, I would take this any day over painful teeth and missing spaces. I did it and I am relieved. I fought though this very tall mountain and I am proud of myself for this. The Giving Neighbors has really helped me with this and I could not have done this without you. I give the glory to God, of course, but I also give you my humbleness and respect to people such as yourselves. You are doing things to change lives and it is beautiful! Thank you so much! With Love, M.C."
Received 08.19.08 "God led me to the Giving Neighbors....That is all I can figure out! I launched my company 4 years ago on Credit cards....started strong but in last two years fell on real hard times...over 40K in debt I had to cancel my health insurance in late 07' figuring that I hadn't been to the doctor in a decade and I simply couldn't afford it....Sure enough I tore my knee up in a freak accident and had NO WHERE to turn for help....I think I actually google'd "help" online....and somehow was directed to tGN. Thank GOD! There was no way I could have had surgery if not for Connie and tGN. God bless you all for your work in "help" of people in need...God bless you all! J.W."
Received 07.23.08 "The Lord has used tGN ministry in a very significant way in the life of my family and I am deeply grateful. Last year I resigned my secular job to go into full time ministry (which meant I would be without insurance for a time). I felt strongly that this was the direction God had for me. In April I had an accident in which I broke my arm (compound fracture) and had to be in the hospital for 3 days! This was a staggering financial blow and I had no idea how to pay these bills. The Lord directed me to Psalm 103 which says "Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not His benefits". God reminded me that even though I did not have man's benefits, I should not forget His benefits! Shortly after that someone directed me to tGN. I knew that this was God's promise fulfilled. Through tGN my huge medical bills were significantly reduced to an amount we could reasonably handle. Thank you Giving Neighbors. Our church is adding tGN to the list of missions we support financially on a monthly basis. I pray more people in the body of Christ will get behind this wonderful ministry to the hurting. Thanks - R.M."
Received 06.16.08
"I am so happy I found The Giving Neighbors. They have helped me out so much I just can't even begin to tell you how much. I was in so much pain, had swelling and infections all the time. The help that The Giving Neighbors have given me has made such a huge difference. I was always embarassed to smile casuse of my bad teeth. Even though now, I don't have any teeth I am much happier and can smile now cause I'm not in pain or swollen from the infections all the time. All I can say is The Giving Neighbors was a God send for me. Thanks again." A.D.
Received 06.09.08
"My dentist assured me one year and a half ago that I needed a root canal. The cost was far out of reach for me. I didn't have insurance or the cash to pay for the surgery. After experiencing a great deal of pain, on and off, for a year and a half I came upon someone who directed me to "The Giving Neighbors" website. Truly this was from the Lord Himself! After submitting all the information they sought, they prayed about it and they graciously paid my dentists' price for which I was removed from all PAIN. God was clearly taking care of me through a ministry He Himself created through His Godly people. I will always praise Him and "The Giving Neighbors" ministry for their loving kindness toward me. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, Giving Neighbors ministry. Love in Christ N.C."
Received 06.06.08
"We are so blessed to have come into contact with The Giving Neighbors! When our son was recently hospitalized we were already behind on our medical bills (from previous illnesses) and thought there was no way we would be able to pay the hospital, the Dr.'s, and the lab bills for the next several months - if even that. I honestly thought when I opened up the hospital bill, "Lord, how can we come up with this money to pay this?" to myself I thought it would take a miracle to get it paid off in the next year or two. It was totally the Lord that put us into contact with The Giving Neighbors, and through a series of events and miracles our medical bills have been paid! I wish I could adequately express the sense of relief that I feel. It's like a ton of bricks has been lifted off of my back (and heart). No more sleepless nights trying to figure out what else we can do to try and come up with some extra money to pay these medical bills - no more intense anxiety. To all those who had a hand in this - thank you so, so much! Your time and energy on our behalf has blessed us beyond words could express. Most of all, thank you Lord - You are always faithful and You always come through! You are so good to us - reminding us of Your love, care and provision through other servants of Yours here on earth. We will forever be grateful!
With love, prayers for other families who are in our previous situation, and super grateful heart! C.S."
Received 1.8.08
"To The Giving Neighbor Program, My name is Jo and I live in McKinney, Texas I wanted to share with other people about a wonderful assistance program, which I was lucky enough to run across, The Giving Neighbor Program.......The Giving Neighbors are different in their approach to people, in that they were kind and informative as to what they needed from me for them to help, I wish for every community to have a Giving Neighbor Program, as they have been a blessing to me. My quality of life would be miserable had it not been for them. Case in point, I have inoperative Fibroid Tumors on my feet, and needed some expensive special shoes to alleviate the pain when walking. The Giving Neighbors did not hesitate to assist me with the costs and I should have my shoes within a couple of weeks. In closing, I wish to thank Connie, and The Giving Neighbor Program. You're in my prayers and I will pass on the knowledge of your program every chance I get. Sincerely, Jo"
Story received 10.9.07
"Dear Connie, I just got my pictures out of the shop. It is the first time I have taken a picture with a smile in a long time. God has really blessed me...." This lovely women got the opportunity through family and friends to go to a play in New York city. Here is what she had to say.." The play was absolutely breath taking. The star of the play even took a picture with me. She played the role of Ms. Celie and was so wonderful to me and my family to allow us to take pictures of her after the show. I felt like I was in a dream. What made it extra special was the fact that I could open my mouth up and smile, knowing that I had some front teeth. I can't thank you enough for your wonderful support and encouragement. If it had not been for your organization, even though the trip and the play were free, I would not have gone to NY with the shame I had about my mouth. Through your organizatin, God placed a smile where a lot of pain and discomfort had been for a long time. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. J.B."
Received 8.24.07
"Dear Ms. Gibson.
I would like to take this time to thank you and The Giving Neighbors Organization for your help regarding my dental assistance. For months I have been living with physical and mental pain from the breaking of my front tooth. For several years I was blessed to have good dental insurance from my previous employers for over 30 years. Unfortunately, circumstances changed drastically and I no longer had dental or vision insurance. I can't tell you how humbling it is to have your front teeth missing. Far beyond my physical discomfort is the mental and emotional pain of being ashamed to smile in public......
The Giving Neighbors is helping me by paying for my surgery that is scheduled for next month. Due to the high volume rate of a much better dental clinic, I have to wait longer than patients with a private dentist. Your organization went far beyond anything I would imagine just by trying to correspond with the high volume clinic. You kept on calling and faxing information until they responded. Just knowing that someone cared enough to be so patient and professional to open the doors for me to get respectable service was also such a blessing. I can write so much about Ms. Gibson continuous efforts just to have the doctor's commitment to schedule me for the implant. What the enemy has tried to take away from me, Ms. Gibson has blessed me with far more than just having a tooth replaced. She demonstrates what a true loving neighbor does for strangers who have nowhere else to turn. I had started to isolate myself from people and places due to the pain I felt every time I opened my mouth. Although, I have not had my tooth replaced at this date, I already feel less shame and humiliation because of the words of encouragement I received from my phone conversations with Ms. Gibson. I found a friend who actually cared enough to go the distance with me.
In closing, I thank Jesus for pouring me out a blessing far beyond just my tooth. My faith has been strengthen, my will to want to be a better servant to God and my fellowman has been also strengthen; and my determination to overcome my illness that I have been battling with for several years. I have been inspired so much by you Ms. Gibson to never give up and to do what I can to help others because that is what true JOY is all about. God Bless You - J. B."
Received 6.18.07
"Just wanted to say Thank You very much. My husband got sick in 2005. He passed 136 kidney stones, had emergency ulcer surgery his doctor said 2 more days he would have died and then a week before he got to go home from the hospital, we got word he had cancer (granulcyctic sarcoma). He went through 4 hi-powered doses of chemo. Thank God he is now in remission. In January 2007 our 3 grandkids came to live with us. I know God has a purpose for both of us. We lost our medical insurance in March 2007 and then I lost my job in April 2007. I am still searching for a job and we are living on his SS Disability. We thank God for The Giving Neighbors everyday because we couldn't afford his prescriptions for May and June, they worked with the pharmacy and his doctors to help us get his prescriptions. No one really knows what a releif it was when The Giving Neighbors helped us with his prescriptions. May God Bless you all. Thanks so much. T.S. & G.S."
Received 4.27.07
"I recently received medical care via the kind support from friends through the Giving Neighbors program. I truly appreciate your help.
I went to the fairly new InstaCare Clinic in McKinney to which you referred to me. I was seen by the Nurse Practitioner who is apparently the one who started the clinic. She seems very knowledgeable and answered questions that I had about my health issues. Her support staff is composed primarily of younger nurses, including a make nurse. For male patients I would think that would be an asset. They were a warm, friendly, and caring bunch. Overall I was pleased with the care I received and plan to return in six months for follow-up appointments.
Again, I truly appreciate your help and hope to return the kindness you've shown me somehow in the future.
Thank you all again and God bless you in your endeavours. May the Lord be glorified in all that you do.
Sincerly.
Mrs.D.R."
Received 04.19.07
"Dear Friend,
I'm writing to tell all the Giving Neighbors and staff Thanks again on assistance you have given me. My hearing aids work wonderful and not having to say WHAT all the time it is very nice knowing there is a lot of Giving Neighbors out there to bless people like me. Thank you very much. Sincerely, K.P."
January 17, 2007
"I would like to share my testimony about how The Giving Neighbors has been such a blessing and life saver for me.
I had been very ill for some time from dental problems, even though I was working two jobs it seemed impossible to find the funds for a simple dental fees. I pushed my self so hard that I ended up with a heart attack.
Now I was more limited than before. In my distress I shared in prayer with one of the ladies from my church and she had referred me to The Giving Neighbors. So I applied on line with a prayer. In less than a week they called me and from there Hope began to shine very bright. They took care of everything. They set a dental appointment and even followed up after the appointment to make sure I was ok. I am now on the road to recovery. The Giving Neighbors has been a answered prayer for me.
I sought the Lord and He heard me...Psalm 34:4
God Bless Always,
C.W. "
Received 11.28.06
"The Giving Neighbors,
I am sending a you a letter of thanks which doesn't even come close for what you and your Loving neighbors have accomplished for me. I had a emergency appendectomy surgery with no Insurance and only work in part time. with my disability and my medicare doesn't come in until June 2007. I was also off of work for a month and just couldn't make it until a loving neighbor told me about the giving neighbors on assistance on medical bills, prescriptions ect. The giving Neighbors got ahold of the charity program of the Hospital and sent an application to me but in the hospital they told me I made to much I didn't qualify but I fee led it out and got approved while that was being approved the Giving Neighbors worked with the Pathology services, Texas Medicine resources, Southwest Imaging and Interventions specialist the got it worked out if the charity was accepted most of the bills would be covered but they called the Anesthesiologist and explained to them my situation and cut there bill from 1479.00 down to 300.00 if i make 3 monthly payments of 100.00 they sent the first months payment then got me connected to another organization which covered the other 200.00 they also help out on prescriptions I needed and food and gave me some other organizations to help out there and a little gas to get back to work and payed for me to see my counsel er until I got back on my feet I owe you all a very big thank you and I'll keep you in my prayers you always hear about giving neighbors but never really see them but these neighbors you'll see and they will do what they can for you and again Thank you so Much And the grace of our God.
K.P."
Received 12.2006
"As the nurse at Finch Elementary School, McKinney I have been asked to communicate the effectiveness and impact "The Giving Neighbors" has had on our children at Finch.
Finch Elementary is a Title One Campus and serves about 600 children, Kindergarten through 5th grade. This classification is based on the percentage of students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch. The economic needs of our children can be quite difficult for many families, especially medical needs.
"The Giving Neighbors" has been a tremendous resource for us. Many of our children need daily medicatin to help them focus and learn in school. Some fall into the situation where their parents are waiting for the Medicaid they have applied for to be approved and cannot afford to buy a 30 day supply of medication. "The Giving Neighbors" has assisted by purchasing medication for these students to cover the "gap" between applying for Medicaid and actually being able to use it. By helping these children get their medication it has prevented them from losing valuable learning time.
The children at Finch Elementary School are very grateful to "The Giving Neighbors". "The Giving Neighbors" truly lives up to is name.
A.M.RN Finch Elementary School Nurse"
December 2006
"Thank you. Hi my name is Joe and I just wanted to thank you for getting me my medicine. I just wanted to remind you that it's really helping me. thank ya sincerly Joe."