From Crisis to Career: David’s Journey with Claire’s Place Foundation
The Rhoads Family
In 2020, David first came to Claire’s Place Foundation during a challenging chapter of his life. As a devoted caregiver to his son Jackson, who lives with cystic fibrosis (CF), David faced the unimaginable stress of balancing hospital stays with the financial demands of daily life. Thanks to our Extended Hospital Stay Grant, we were able to help cover essentials like rent and utilities, allowing David to remain by Jackson’s side when it mattered most.
Over the next two years, David turned to us for additional grants during hospital stays, and in 2023, he decided to take a brave step forward. He applied for our Work Proudly Program (WPP), designed to empower CF caregivers and young adults with CF to build careers that align with their unique needs—caregiving responsibilities and the ability to work remotely.
Through the Work Proudly Program, David was equipped with comprehensive support, including career counseling, a laptop, specialized training at USCI Medical Coding Online School, and an AAPC membership to complete his licensing exams.
In his own words, he shared on LinkedIn: "I am thrilled to announce that I have passed the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) medical exam with the American Association of Professional Coders! To my family - thank you for your love, patience, and support. I am very excited and look forward to the opportunities and professional growth this new career path will bring."
Last month, David celebrated an incredible milestone—landing a job as a Medical Records Coder-Associate at UT Health San Antonio. David writes to us after this amazing achievement “Thank you so much! None of this would have been possible without your support, the Claire’s Place WPP grant, Marcia Wall’s coaching/resume resources, and the encouragement of my family and friends to keep moving forward with my new career goals.
A special thank you to donors, big and small, that give wholeheartedly to the mission of Claire’s Place Foundation. Each donation helps support caregivers like me and those living and battling CF everyday, like my son Jackson in our time of need. You keep Claire’s dream alive!”
David’s journey is a testament to what’s possible with determination, support, and resources tailored to the CF community. For our foundation, it represents the mission of the Work Proudly Program in action: not just providing temporary relief but offering lasting solutions that empower caregivers and adults with CF to build sustainable, fulfilling careers.
Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved success! Your story inspires us all, and we can’t wait to see all you achieve in this new chapter!
