Shawnkieta Baker, Detroit

It’s been a year since I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. When I got diagnosed, I had savings. Now, my savings are gone and I’m starting chemotherapy again this week.

I didn’t know there weren’t a lot of resources to help people with cancer until I got it. I don’t have income now because I can’t work while on the treatment. I’ve been denied disability twice. You have to be stage 4 for them to give you that. It’s hard for people who can’t work.

It’s just me and my two kids living on Detroit’s east side. My daughter is nine and my son is 14. For a while, we didn’t have any beds, so we were on the floor. Being sick, it was hard for me to sleep.

One of the ovarian cancer programs I’m in connected me with Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan. I applied in May and by June, Furniture Bank supplied me with a couch, a table and chairs, and beds for me and my kids. I didn’t have to wait that long.

The people at Furniture Bank were so nice. I appreciate their assistance. It’s made a big difference in my home and we are all sleeping better now.

Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, a United Way funded partner, wants to ensure that every family in Metropolitan Detroit is living in a properly furnished home. Have furniture to donate? Click here. Need furniture? Click here.