Cancer Diagnosis

Tough Treatment 

Early the next month, Tonya started cancer treatment. This consisted of 35 appointments for radiation, and three rounds of chemotherapy. The cancer went into remission. But the treatment came with new complications. 



“The side effects from the radiation and chemo set into my neck, jaw, and throat,” said Tonya. “I was starting to lose my voice.”  

A Long Road to Recovery 

Tonya’s best shot at recovering from the aggressive treatments and saving her voice involved seeing specialists in Madison, Wisconsin. She lives in Rockford, Illinois. The round trip spans approximately 140 miles.  

However, the road to recovery became longer. Traveling to treatment once every week was getting too expensive. The specialists were increasing the frequency of appointments, which would cost her even more. 

“I haven’t worked since September 2021,” said Tonya, “and I am the mother of two children. I need gas to travel to my appointments, but money is tight.” 



Hope for a full recovery was shrinking, and Tonya’s fears were growing. How could she access the care she needed if she couldn’t afford gas? 

Mercy Medical Angels Rolls to the Rescue

Fast forward to August 2022. Tonya was still struggling to put money together – until she was referred to Mercy Medical Angels.

Mercy Medical Angels acted quickly and rolled to the rescue. The nonprofit’s ground transportation program sent Tonya gas cards. Now, she could afford gas for her appointments. 

“I am so happy for the help of gas cards,” said Tonya, “to travel back and forth to treatment in another state.” 

"I Am Very Thankful..."

Tonya’s struggles aren’t over yet. She still sees the specialists in Wisconsin twice a week. But thanks to Mercy Medical Angels, the cost of gas is one less thing she worries about. Without that extra stress, she can focus on what matters most: healing.  

“If it weren’t for Mercy Medical Angels," said Tonya, "I would have lost my voice."

"I am very thankful for all your help!”