A Roof Over Her Head, Room to Heal: Gemma's Story

Gemma with her furry friend

For Gemma, an adult living with cystic fibrosis (CF), managing her health has always required strength and resilience. But when a serious infection led to hospitalization and an intensive course of treatment, she found herself facing another frightening challenge: the possibility of losing her home.

Gemma was undergoing a demanding treatment regimen that included IV infusions three days a week for six weeks, along with several powerful antibiotics. The medications left her bedridden on many days, making it increasingly difficult to keep up with everyday responsibilities and expenses.

Between medical appointments, transportation costs and lost financial stability, Gemma had fallen behind and was struggling to afford her rent.

At a time when her health needed to be her priority, she was worried about eviction.

A Little Breathing Room When It Matters Most

Gemma turned to Claire's Place Foundation's Extended Hospital Stay Grant Program, which provides financial assistance with rent or mortgage payments for individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis during extended medical treatment.

For Gemma, receiving assistance with her rent meant more than financial relief. It meant having a safe place to recover without the constant fear of losing her apartment.

After receiving her grant, she shared:

"I will be able to take many deep breaths and sighs of relief now that I have been awarded this grant. I can focus on my healing without having to worry about a roof over my head."

Those words capture why this program exists.

More Than Financial Assistance

Living with cystic fibrosis can create an overwhelming financial burden, particularly when hospitalizations and ongoing treatments interrupt someone's ability to work or manage everyday expenses.

Life in the hospital with CF can be challenging

For Gemma, the grant provided some much-needed stability during one of the most challenging periods of her CF journey.

She also shared why she believes programs like this are so important:

"This program is a lifesaver for people with CF and their families. Everyone deserves to be able to focus on their health and their loved one's health without worrying about facing eviction and poverty."

At Claire's Place Foundation, we believe that no one should have to choose between protecting their health and keeping a roof over their head.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to give Gemma something incredibly valuable during a difficult time: peace of mind and the opportunity to focus on healing.

Help Us Be There for the Next Family

Every Extended Hospital Stay Grant represents a person or family navigating a difficult chapter. Your support helps us provide critical housing assistance when it's needed most.

Together, we can give more people living with cystic fibrosis the stability, dignity and breathing room they deserve.