Gena and Albert are looking forward to a fresh start and better health in the new year because the past two years have been full of challenges.
In April 2024, Gena badly injured her back on the job, requiring surgery, and was out of work for eight months when her husband suffered three strokes in December. They went from being a two-income household to having zero income.
“It’s just caused a hardship,” Regena said.
A year later, Albert continues his healing journey.
“He’s not at 100-percent and has been deemed permanently disabled. It has affected his right side,” she shared. “He’s doing rehab, a lot of therapy, just trying to get his strength back.”
The situation has been financially devastating. The couple has a large family, with one minor child still living at home.
“We’ve gone through periods of not knowing anything to just depending on the kindness of others. We’ve gone to pantries. We’ve found different programs to help with utilities, rides to doctor’s appointments,” Gena said. “There were times when we didn’t have gas money to and from appointments. It’s been very, very hard.”
The couple filed for disability when Albert first experienced his strokes a year ago. He wasn’t approved for nearly a year—receiving his first check in November 2025.
“It is a blessing. I’m not complaining. But 10, almost 11 months waiting and processing paperwork—it’s been a lot,” Gena said.
In the meantime, they were struggling to afford day-to-day expenses. They had fallen nearly $2,000 behind on utility payments to Evergy. The company showed up at their doorstep to disconnect service. In desperation, Gena wrote them a check that she knew would bounce—just to buy some time. She went to Evergy offices searching for help.
“We were borrowing money to get by,” said Gena. “They told me about United Way’s Critical Medical Needs program. I only wish I’d known about it sooner.”
United Way’s Critical Medical Needs program is made possible thanks to support from utility providers Evergy and Spire. It’s designed to prevent disconnection or restore service for households facing a major medical challenge, which could be worsened without utility service. In combination with financial assistance from United Way, Regena and Albert were also able to get help from LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).
“I’d heard of United Way before. Whenever I was working, we always had the giving back campaigns and United Way just always comes to mind. I knew what you guys have done but have never used the services before,” Gena said. “But United Way has definitely helped my family—me, my husband and my children. It means the world to us. It’s a blessing.”
In 2025, the Critical Medical Needs program has supported more than 700 unique clients with an average of $868 in assistance each. Learn more here.
Gena recently started a new job and had the opportunity to donate to a charitable cause through payroll deduction.
“I marked the box for United Way, no question,” she said. “I know this organization truly helps people in our community.”