At age 36, not only was I overwhelmed at being diagnosed with breast cancer, but I was still just barely getting the hang of being a mom of two.

I had just started into a daily routine of sorts and could barely make it through the day healthy. How was I supposed to do it during chemo?

A friend made it her mission to ensure we’d have childcare through this tough time, even if she’d have to scrape up the money to pay for it herself. Then she found Mommies in Need. When I first spoke with Natalie, I thought it sounded too good to be true. Why aren’t there more of these? Why have I not heard of this before?

But it was true, a free childcare service for ill stay at home moms. Our prayers were answered.

I’m a helicopter mom, so it was difficult to hand over control to a “stranger” right away. (although all the nannies are background checked and drug tested) But once I realized how much weight was lifted from me, I trusted in Mommies in Need, I let go of full control, and they did the rest.

Second only to the news of cancer, was the day I had to say goodbye to my incredible nanny. Not only did she provide childcare, she taught my kids manners, helped them in the pool, she helped get them both on the same schedule, she helped meal plan, she took them to appointments, and loved them unconditionally. She was also a great resource and friend to me.

Mommies in Need was not just a babysitter on my sick days, our nanny helped in many many ways that allowed me to rest, get to appointments, heal, and take the mental stress breaks I really needed to get past this stormy season. I have no idea what we would have done without this amazing organization, and only hope we can pay it back. MIN has made a difference in my life and neither I, nor my girls, will ever forget this experience of care and love.

We are so thankful for Mommies in Need! When our three-year-old collided with my wife, opening her C-section wound, we were not quite sure how we would manage without my having to take a leave of absence at work.

Because Mommies in Need provided us with a nanny, I was able to continue working, and we were able to maintain a sense of normalcy with our children. This organization meets a need that people may not realize exists until they find themselves with that need.

As a 37 year-old new mom going through cancer treatments, knowing that my little one is taken care of, especially on chemo days, has not only provided me childcare for the many appointments, but the ability to fully fight this disease. Mommies In Need has allowed me time for my body to rest and a soundness of mind.

I cannot imagine going through stage 3 cancer without them. The entire concept is wonderful. There is no doubt, they are one of the gifts and blessings of this journey.

I don’t even know where to begin!! This organization came at such a wonderful time for my family. I found myself on an operating table diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer undergoing surgery. Completely unexpected. My husband used a lot of vacation time to come to every dr appointment and help take care of our 3 kids while I recovered. After surgery we got the news that it had spread to my lymph nodes and the next step was a radioactive iodine treatment. Basically I was to stay secluded and isolated from others (especially my children for at least 9 days). We were at a loss. I don’t have much family in the area and neither does my husband. A friend had recently grabbed a mommies in need flyer and told me to check it out. I won’t lie I kind of shrugged it off thinking ‘they’d never pick me’. But as I found myself in tears I filled out the paperwork hoping and praying there would be light at the end of a very dark and scary tunnel.

As the Dr.’s finalized the days and I stared at my calendar completely overwhelmed considering driving across the country to have my aunt help me I got the phone call from Natalie. I explained everything and she was so warm and compassionate and just understanding. We met with her and Bekah within a few days and worked out a schedule. My husband works as a firefighter and overnights at a hospital. Realizing they were looking at 84+ hours of childcare for a week I started to loose hope. But Natalie was determined to help. And she did. 3 days later Bekah arrived and stayed for the week. And she was a godsend!! I can’t even begin to express the gratitude I have for her!! She was so fantastic with the kids, even teaching our baby (18 months) sign language as he has a speech delay and isn’t talking. As difficult as it was to hear someone ‘mother’ my children just 6 feet away I was completely at ease. She took the kids to activities and the library and park. One day I got a text from a friend telling me she met Bekah and the kids at my daughters gymnastics class and just RAVED about how fantastic Bekah was!! I remember crying tears of joy just knowing that I could completely focus on recovering and my kids were WELL taken care of and WELL loved during this crazy time in our life!!

I can’t thank Mommies In Need enough for their support and generosity during this time!! And I am happy to report everything worked and I am now cancer free!!!!

It is impossible to understand the struggle of a difficult situation in life until you find yourself in the middle of a crisis. We encountered this struggle when our 34 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer in June. After a summer of chemo and radiation, she had surgery to remove the tumor. When complications developed, it became obvious that she would need a nanny to come into their home & care for their 1-year old and 3-year old children. As a mother and grandmother I knew they needed help.

When a mother is unable to care for her family because of injury or illness, young children need the consistency of the same person caring for them while their mother is in the hospital or healing at home. This is where “Mommies In Need” is of such benefit. They have already performed background checks on the nannys they recommend, and Mommies In Need helps with the cost of providing a nanny for the weeks or months she will be needed.

In our case, our daughter did not have close family who could move into their home to take care of the children until she was strong enough to care for them by herself again. Having a nanny has allowed our daughter’s husband to continue his work schedule, and it has given him peace of mind every morning when he leaves for work, knowing that his wife and his children will be cared for while he is away.

Our nanny who was provided by Mommies In Need is well-trained, diligent, reliable, honest, patient and caring. The children have weathered this family “storm” with remarkable resilience, in large part because of our sweet nanny who has provided stability in their lives. Mommies In Need has been a wonderful blessing to our family through such a tough situation. Thank you!”