Betty's Story: The Strength to Keep Showing Up

On quiet mornings in Onslow County, Betty likes to sit on her porch and feel the breeze move through the trees. It’s a simple ritual, a few minutes of fresh air, a moment to gather herself before the day begins.

For Betty, 66, these small moments have taken on new meaning.

Not long after WARM NC completed repairs to her home, she received news that would change the rhythm of her life. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer and began a two-year course of treatment at the Zimmer Cancer Center in New Hanover County. The schedule is demanding, requiring several trips each month for infusion treatments and follow-up care.

At first, she drove herself to every appointment.

WARM NC Homeowner, Betty.

But over time, the cost of transportation, especially without steady income during treatment, began to weigh heavily. After speaking with her care manager, transportation assistance was arranged, easing a financial strain that had quietly grown alongside the stress of medical care.

Through it all, Betty has continued doing what she has always done, finding ways to show up for others.

Before her diagnosis, she regularly volunteered at a local soup kitchen. Even now, as she navigates treatment and recovery, she still finds ways to give back when she can. The support she received during a difficult season, she says, reminded her how important it is to help others when they need it most.

The repairs made to her home have helped make that possible.

Her porch, once unsafe, now offers a place to sit and breathe after long days of treatment. The bathroom modifications inside the home have made everyday tasks easier and safer during recovery. The changes are practical, but their impact is deeply personal. Home is where Betty rests, regains strength, and prepares for the next step in her treatment journey.

Outside of home.

Despite the challenges she faces, Betty’s presence has become something of a light for those around her.

Earlier this year, she was honored as the 2025 “Angel of the Year” at the Zimmer Cancer Center. Staff and fellow patients described her as someone who lifts others up, a steady source of encouragement in waiting rooms and treatment halls. Even while navigating her own health challenges, Betty continues to offer kindness and reassurance to others walking similar paths.

As we recognize Women’s History Month, Betty’s story reflects the quiet strength many women carry in their communities. Across the United States, nearly one in three women over age 65 who own their homes live alone, often managing fixed incomes, health challenges, and the responsibility of maintaining their homes independently. For many, safe housing repairs are not simply improvements, they are what make it possible to age with dignity and remain in the place they love most.

For Betty, home remains exactly that.