Donna's Journey: A Story of Resilience and Hope
Donna was once married with two beautiful daughters. She had a successful career as a photographer and teacher. On the face of things, she looked like she had it all.
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19 August 2025
Stories
| HopeStreet, BaptistCare
Donna was once married with two beautiful daughters. She had a successful career as a photographer and teacher. On the face of things, she looked like she had it all – lovely family, nice home, rewarding career. She looked like many families you’d find in your church on Sundays. Like people that you and I would know.
But the truth is, Donna's life has been a testament to resilience and the power of support. At 54, she was a single mother of two daughters. Her journey has been marked by significant challenges, including childhood abuse, severe PTSD, and the immense responsibility of caring for her daughters who both struggled with mental health issues. On top of that, Donna is also a breast cancer survivor.
Donna's struggles began early in life with significant traumatic events, leaving her with enduring mental health issues. This marked the beginning of a series of hardships, including financial stress and housing instability.
“My daughter got sick... that was two years of hospital, again just hell... the problems kept stacking up.” Says Donna
The stress on the family reached breaking point and Donna’s marriage broke up. Of course, losing her husband’s income led to even more financial pressure for Donna, where even affording the families, weekly groceries became tough. As a single parent, Donna fought tirelessly for medical resources and navigated a complex mental health system.
This is when Donna turned to HopeStreet. HopeStreet became a beacon of hope for Donna. Staff members provided her with a safe space to talk and cry during difficult times. They offered emotional support that helped her cope with her own health challenges.
“I can't even describe how bad it was. There were days I felt like I couldn't breathe, and they just would sit there and always just chat and be just so kind.” Says Donna.
“I think HopeStreet probably kept me going to tell you the honest truth, because they probably would be the only people that I saw outside of the hospital and the doctors.” She continues.
HopeStreet's support extended beyond emotional assistance. They provided practical help, including food, financial relief, and essential household items and an occupational therapy recommended lounge to alleviate her bone condition. This support was crucial in helping Donna endure legal battles, financial stress, and the challenges of caring for her daughters.
"They've helped me with food, a washing machine, my lounge... They've been my salvation... They have listened to me whinge. They have listened to me cry," Donna shares.
Donna's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that compassionate support can have on someone's life. HopeStreet's unwavering care and support has not only helped Donna survive but also empowered her to keep moving forward, even in the darkest moments, reminding her that genuine kindness and community can be lifelines when all else feels lost.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:12-13
*Name changed for privacy reasons