For nearly two years, Thea McCarthey fought the toughest battle of her life.
After years of working as a customer service representative for a major manufacturing company, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. What followed were more than 18 grueling months of chemotherapy, countless medical appointments and the physical and emotional toll that comes with fighting a life-threatening illness.
Unable to work and with a compromised immune system, Thea was forced to put her career on hold. Today, even after treatment, she continues physical therapy to rebuild her strength and manage the chronic pain left behind by her cancer journey.
Thea and Elliott did everything they could to stay afloat financially.
Throughout this difficult season, Thea and her husband Elliott did everything they could to stay afloat financially. Living on Elliott's pension and Thea's disability income, they carefully stretched every dollar to cover their basic needs. It wasn't easy, but they managed.
Then another crisis struck.
Earlier this year, their son experienced a serious health challenge, requiring Thea and Elliott to step in and help care for their 4-year-old grandson. Suddenly, their household expenses increased dramatically.
The family's carefully balanced budget began to unravel.
Between caring for a young child, rising utility costs and the increasing price of everyday necessities, the family's carefully balanced budget began to unravel. For the first time, they found themselves choosing between paying the gas bill or meeting other essential needs.
The stress was overwhelming.
"When you're already dealing with health issues and family responsibilities, and then you don't know how you're going to keep the utilities on, it can feel hopeless," Thea said.
Desperate for help, she turned to a trusted friend who told her about HEAT, which provides emergency energy assistance for vulnerable Georgia households. Thea immediately reached out.
Thanks to generous donors, HEAT was able to provide assistance
when the McCarthey family needed it most.
Thanks to generous donors, HEAT was able to provide assistance when the McCarthey family needed it most.
The support did more than help pay a utility bill. It eased an enormous burden and gave the family peace of mind during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
"A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders," Thea said.
Just as meaningful as the financial assistance was the compassion she experienced throughout the process.
"I want donors to know that HEAT really helps people.”
"I want donors to know that HEAT really helps people. They go above and beyond," she said. "When I spoke to the staff, I was so impressed because they made me feel like a human being. I did not feel looked down on. They treated me with kindness and respect. It truly made me feel like there was hope."
Today, Thea and Elliott remain deeply grateful for the caring donors who made that help possible. They know firsthand that a gift to HEAT is much more than financial assistance. It’s comfort during a crisis, dignity in a moment of need, and hope when families feel they have nowhere else to turn.
When you give to HEAT, you ensure that Georgia neighbors like the McCartheys don’t have to face life's toughest challenges alone.
YOU CAN HELP
For more than 40 years, the Heating Energy Assistance Team, Inc. (HEAT) has helped low-income families and individuals pay their heating bills. As the oldest statewide fuel fund in Georgia, HEAT provides energy assistance to Georgia residents as a joint effort between concerned citizens, businesses and state and local government. HEAT has distributed more than $32.5 million in heating assistance to175,000 households since 1983.
Walton Gas customers can help provide essential relief and hope for families across the state. Here’s how you can make a tax-deductible donation:
- Call Walton Gas at (770) 427-4328 and ask to have a donation included on your monthly bill. Customer service representatives are available to take your call 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays).
- Donate directly by visiting heatga.org/donate.
HEAT helps families in every Georgia county.
Learn More: heatga.org