Put Yourself In Her HEELS: Susan’s Story

“When I got my head shaved, I got a lot of support from the women at the YW,” says former resident, Susan, who was battling cancer during her stay at the YWCA. As if undergoing chemo treatments wasn’t stressful enough, Susan was also looking for a job, taking in-house classes at the YWCA, and re-organizing her financial future.

A storm cloud followed Susan, fueled by the ongoing medical hardships and domestic abuse.  Susan needed a ray of light.  She came to the YWCA for emergency shelter, but soon received the care and guidance she needed to become self-sufficiently independent.

Susan’s life was turned upside down when her mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. Susan and her mother moved to Muncie in order to get better health care, and eventually Susan quit her job in order to take care of her mother.

After losing her mother, Susan fell into a state of depression, leading to suicidal thoughts. She moved in with her brother so she could focus on her mental health.

When things were beginning to look up, Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer and started to undergo chemo treatments, while simultaneously being emotionally and physically abused from her brother. Susan soon moved out of her brother’s home, but because of medical bills, she could not afford a place of her own.

“If there’s anybody that’s in a position of being homeless or abuse, come to the YWCA because they do wonders for you,” says Susan.

On September 24, 2016 men from our community will wear women’s high-heeled shoes for our annual In Her Heels fundraiser. Join us at Canan Commons as these men raise support and awareness for the YWCA Central Indiana. Keep an eye out for information to be released on the men participating in this spectacular event.