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Where Pain Became Purpose
Out of pain came strength.
Out of pain came hope.
Out of pain came connection.
Out of pain came determination.
And out of pain, purpose was born.
For Michele DeCaul, it began with $400, and a family already navigating the unimaginable.
At home, Michele and her husband were walking alongside their son as he courageously battled cancer. Their hearts, attention, and financial resources were focused on helping him through treatment and giving him the support he needed.
Then came the moment when Michele needed care of her own.
She needed a mammogram, but the screening would cost $400 out of pocket. In another season, $400 might have simply been an unexpected expense. But in a household already carrying the financial demands of a son’s cancer journey, $400 was more than they could manage at that moment.
So Michele walked away without the mammogram.
But her story didn’t end there.
After sharing what happened with two friends, something extraordinary happened. Within twenty 4 hours, those friends sent Michele the $400 she needed to get her mammogram.
“They saw a need, and they responded”
The Power of Community
What may have seemed like a simple act of generosity became a life changing act of compassion. Their willingness to step into the gap allowed Michele to move forward with a screening she otherwise would have delayed.
That experience changed something in her.
Michele experienced firsthand how quickly a financial barrier can become a healthcare barrier—but she also discovered the power of community when someone is willing to help.
She began to understand that her story was not unique.
Another woman may be uninsured. Another may have a high deductible. Another may be caring for a sick family member, raising children alone, living paycheck to paycheck, or facing an unexpected financial crisis. And another may simply be afraid of what the screening might reveal.
Different stories. Same barrier.
No money.
No screening.
No answers.
And sometimes, very little hope.
A Journey That Changed Everything
Michele’s journey would become an even more difficult road to travel. Yet through it, she came to believe that God allowed her to travel this road so she could better understand the women she would one day serve.
Her pain developed compassion.
Her experience created understanding.
Her friends’ generosity demonstrated the power of community.
Her struggle strengthened her determination.
And her journey gave birth to purpose.
The DeCaul Foundation Was Born
Today, The DeCaul Foundation exists to do for other women what two friends did for Michele that day: step into the gap.
We help women overcome financial barriers to breast screenings while surrounding them with hope, encouragement, empowerment, connection, community, and support.
Because behind every woman who delays a screening, there may be a story no one else can see.
We want her to know:
There is help.
There is hope.
You are not alone.
And your health is worth prioritizing.
What began with two friends, $400, and one woman’s need became a vision to make sure another woman doesn’t have to walk away simply because she cannot afford her screening.
Out of pain came purpose.
Out of generosity came hope.
Out of community came support.
And out of one woman’s journey came The DeCaul Foundation.
“Loving Yourself is an Honor”
Taking care of yourself is not selfish. Your health matters. Your life matters. You matter.
