Nov. 2--VALDOSTA -- Now that her child has survived cancer treatment, a Valdosta woman hopes to keep a home for the return of her recovering daughter.
After four months hospitalized in Atlanta, Eureka Bryant, a 15-year-old J.L. Newbern student, was set to return to her Valdosta home this weekend, says her mother, Yulonda Owens.
Radiation and chemotherapy have reduced the lump in Eureka's throat, Owens says, but the teen will still need assistance breathing and being fed and must make return trips to doctors and Atlanta as part of her recovery.
While Medicaid helps with the cost of equipment and Peach Care covered medical costs, Owens worries about keeping a place for her daughter to recover, about keeping the electricity on to power the equipment needed for her daughter's recovery.
"With the feeding and breathing machines for her, I can't afford for the power to go off," Owens says. And she's having a tough time affording the cost of utility bills, rent, and the expense of traveling back and forth to Atlanta for additional medical visits and treatment.
Asking for help is difficult for Owens. She notes that people have helped her in the past, and she dislikes asking for more help. "I don't want people to think, 'she's using us,'" she says. "I don't want people to feel that way. The help was appreciated, but we still need the help."
Eureka's health concerns started last spring.
Then, the teen had severe headaches. She was often fatigued. She was losing weight.
When Eureka began passing out, they sought medical attention.
Initially, examinations led to a diagnosis of sinus problems, but further tests showed that Eureka had throat cancer. She had a lump in her throat the size of two knotted fists. Her treatment started in June.
Owens also has an 18-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son.
A bank account has been opened to help the family. Donations can be made to the Eureka Christal Bryant Medical Savings Account, Bank of America.
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