Learning to Walk Again: Finding support in a season of crisis.
October 22, 2026 | Housing, Stories of Hope
For most of her life, Gabby prided herself on being independent. She was the person who helped others, the one who found solutions and worked through challenges on her own. Asking for help was never something that came naturally. But a series of life-changing events showed her that even the strongest people need support sometimes.
“It was a lot to process all at once,” Gabby recalled. What began as a major career setback quickly became a cascade of personal and financial challenges. After being laid off from her job at a technology company, Gabby returned to work in a more traditional role and began rebuilding her career. At the same time, she and her partner received exciting news: they were expecting a baby. However, the celebration was tempered by uncertainty, as her partner was also in the middle of a job transition and unemployed.
Then came a devastating blow. Gabby required emergency surgery, a serious medical situation that became life-threatening for her baby. Gabby made it through surgery but tragically, her baby didn’t. The recovery was long and difficult. For months, she could barely walk and was unable to return to work while she healed. “I wasn’t well enough to work,” she said. “I had to learn how to walk again.”
As medical bills mounted and income disappeared, the family’s finances quickly became strained. Falling behind on expenses became unavoidable. During her recovery, Gabby was also trying to support her mother, who faced ongoing health challenges, including high blood pressure and depression. In an effort to protect her from additional worry, she kept details about her own surgery private.
With so much happening at once, the emotional toll was overwhelming. As the family struggled to stay afloat, they received an eviction notice, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already fragile situation.
Knowing something needed to change, Gabby decided to apply for rent assistance through MSC. After going through the application process, and writing a letter explaining her circumstances, she connected with an MSC staff member who followed up consistently and compassionately. “She checked in every day,” Gabby said. “I felt very comfortable. It felt like I was talking to a friend.” In a moment when she felt overwhelmed and vulnerable, those simple acts of care made a difference. “Their services do work,” she said. “I was in a very delicate situation, and I felt supported instead of judged.”
The experience also changed her perspective on receiving help, instead of always being the one to support others, “I’ve learned to accept help.” Rather than making her feel like a burden, the support reminded her that everyone can face unexpected hardships. “You never know when you’re going to experience something,” she reflected. “It made me realize we aren’t always bulletproof.”
With assistance and time to recover, Gabby began moving forward. As her health improved, she became able to work from a desk again and focus on rebuilding stability for her family. The support she received became a source of motivation. “It motivated me to work harder, get back on my feet, and be there for my family,” she said.
Looking back, Gabby says the practical assistance was important, but the emotional support mattered just as much. During one of the most difficult periods of her life, she found people who listened, cared, and helped her navigate the challenges she couldn’t face alone.