How to say Thanks for a financial gift

katiegrey

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I'm looking for thoughts on how to thank someone who has made an incredible gift to me during my BC journey that will save my family quite a lot of money.

I'm a single mom with two young boys, 8 and 11, and was diagnosed with IDC and a 6 cm tumor on Christmas Eve. My oldest boy got braces last year, none of it covered by insurance because we had already received our maximum lifetime coverage. At his last appointment, his orthodontist was giving me an update and she asked me to come into another room to talk. She must have noticed my bald head, missing eyelashes and weight loss (I was in the middle of chemo), and asked what's going on. When I told her I had breast cancer, she started to cry, and said she would not charge me for the rest of my son's treatments. My son will need braces for another year and a half; I just received a letter saying his account is paid in full.

At the time, I thanked her, but was too shocked to say much more. Her generosity is literally saving me more than $3000 - which is such a godsend considering the ongoing costs associated with BC treatment, not to mention lost work days, etc. She said she's done this for other moms with breast cancer, so I'm not the first.

People have told me there would be a silver lining somewhere, but I really wasn't expecting it. Has anyone else encountered an incredible financial gesture like this, and what is the best way to say thanks for someone's generosity?

J9W

Wow.  Maybe a heartfelt thank you note and a promise to pay it forward some day.  What a great person to have in your corner.

dlb823

What a wonderful story!  I agree with J9W -- a personal note telling this dentist-angel how much her gesture meant to you and how much worry it lifted from you so that you could focus on healing is a must.  I might also drop off something casual like a bouquet of sunflowers (or whatever flowers you think she'd like), or a small handmade gift, especially if you're at all crafty.   Then, whether you include it in your note or not, the best way to repay it is to pay it forward when you have the opportunity to encourage someone else's journey.    Deanna

edwards750

What a wonderful story and person. I think I would send her a thank you note. I would not offer to pay it later; it's a gift not a loan. She knows you are overwhelmed and money is tight. God bless her! Diane 

hbcheryl

agree on a thank you note but not just any kind, sit with a pad and pen and put your feelings to paper, then you edit it down that way you you turn your heartfelt feelings into words and if you'd like to do a gift what about making a succulent garden you can just go to TJ Maxx and get an unusual container for a reasonable price then get some gravel and a few succulent plants even an uncreative person can do it and it's easy to take care in an office environment

Moderators

KatieGrey, thank you for sharing this heartwarming story about your caring and generous dentist. We're sure that she will cherish your note of thanks. Maybe, as time goes on, you could deliver or email photos of some of the smiling milestones in your son's life, such as both of you grinning st his graduation or showing a sports trophy?

Bren-2007

Hi Katie,

I have experienced some awesome gifts of help during treatment and in the years that have followed.  Last year my husband was out of work for two months with a health problem and we had next to no income.  A group of friends took up a collection for us and we were able to survive that very stressful time. 

I was really fortunate to be able to thank each of them in person, as well as sending out individual thank you notes.  I'm a strong believer in writing out thank you notes and sending cards and letters.  I have saved each and every card with their wonderful messages to us from that time last year.

What a very special orthodontist.  Since you will be seeing the doctor again, how about a nice candle with the thank you note, or maybe something home-baked for the office.

hugs,

Bren

SelenaWolf

What an absolutely wonderful thing to do!  I agree that a hand-written thank-you note would be a lovely gesture.

katiegrey

Thanks ladies and moderators - this has been so helpful and I think you're right about sending a heartfelt, handwritten note. J9W and dlb823 - I will absolutely mention paying forward to the first woman I know who needs a hand. Sending positive energy out into the universe is never a gift that goes to waste.  Many thanks again for your thoughts, and warm, healing wishes to all of you!

Bren-2007

Love the idea of "paying it forward."  I vowed to do the exact same thing and many times over the past year I've been able to do so.

hugs,

Bren