Chizoma came to Duke as a graduate student at the Fuqua School of Business, enjoying friends, classes, and a bright future. Everything changed in January 2024 when she was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia. “After I was diagnosed, it was just a race to survive.”
During her first stay at Caring House, she and her mother, Angela, experienced the strength of our community through shared meals, stories, and music. “It was encouraging to talk to others and understand their stories,” she said. “The sense of community here is so strong.” The friendships and kindness they found became a vital part of their journey.
Weeks after graduating from Fuqua, Chizoma began to feel unwell. Fearing her leukemia had returned, she traveled back to Duke, where the relapse was confirmed. She and her mother moved into our Adult Blood and Marrow Transplant apartment, which provided the strict isolation she needed and affordable housing when she could not have managed alone.
“Caring House saved the day. It has helped us so much and has saved us a lot of money in the process.”
Through both of her stays, Chizoma found comfort, hope, and connection at Caring House.