When Al-Nisa found out she was pregnant during her senior year of college, she faced overwhelming challenges. Newly married, in an abusive relationship, and without health insurance, she feared not just for herself, but for her unborn child — and she needed help. That help came in the form of her Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) nurse. “Just […]
This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” Your voice, ideas, and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.” What if as individuals we embrace the task of […]
Since its founding in 1857 as The Chicago Relief Aid Society, Metropolitan Family Services has become a cornerstone of support for families across Chicago, offering vital resources that empower individuals to overcome life’s greatest challenges. Whether helping a single mother access childcare while she pursues a college degree or guiding a family through the legal […]
An exciting clinical trial involving a vaccine at the Cleveland Clinic could change the world of breast cancer. “Curing cancer has been something we all talk about. Even better, is to prevent the cancer in the first place. So, in a sense, prevention is the cure,” said Dr. Amit Kumar, CEO of Anixa Biosciences. An […]
On October 24, 2015, Justin Phongsavanh walked out of a McDonald’s in Ankeny, Iowa, unaware he was taking his final steps. Until that cool fall evening, the high schooler had been an avid sportsman and was gearing up for a career as a journeyman electrician. A gunman’s bullets would abruptly and irrevocably change the course of […]
What gives your life meaning? It’s a question our brains are naturally programmed to explore. Recent studies have revealed strong connections between spirituality and health, both rooted in how we find purpose in our lives. Interestingly, much of this research began with the goal of understanding the rising prevalence of depression and anxiety in our […]
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene roared through parts of the US Southeast, Hurricane Milton roared onto Florida’s west coast around 8:30 p.m., Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm. It then moved across the state throughout the early morning hours bringing high winds and incessant rain. As of Oct. 10, millions of Floridians […]
I am approaching the 27th anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis. And while I have remained cancer-free, it’s been quite a ride. I am also approaching the 3rd anniversary of my preventative mastectomy and removal of my ovaries. Why the surgeries, might you ask, if I was cancer-free? In 1997, following a routine mammogram, I […]
Access to fresh and healthy food is a basic human need and essential for a healthy lifestyle. However, this basic need is not easily met for many residents of Altgeld Gardens and, specifically, the Phillip Murray Homes community on the far south side of Chicago. Recognized as one of the lowest-income neighborhoods in Chicago, Altgeld […]
Famous French Nobel laureate and novelist Anatole France beautifully wrote: “Toaccomplish great things; we must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also believe.” Hope and belief in a brighter future are virtues that guide us as humans. Without hope, we would not be where we are today. It is why we […]
