“Life can be such an uphill battle. Therefore, when you encounter a group who helps make the climb easier, you can do nothing but feel endless appreciation. My original diagnosis of breast cancer was in 2009. I was blessed enough to go into remission in 2010. This year, I came out of remission and to make things more complicated, the cancer spread. So many thoughts went across my mind, but the biggest was how I would navigate through this. The Maitime Workers Emergency Medical Fund was a blessing. The process was easy and the response from the organization was quick. I appreciated the group’s efforts. This group’s support helped me alleviate some financial stress, thereby putting the focus on bettering my health. My children and I are grateful to know that funds such as this are available to help those who need it at the right time.”

Judith Okani Brown- West Gulf Maritime Association