Rhonda: A Heart that Desires to Give

It was the fall of 2025 when our team at Project 4031 received a request unlike any we’d had before. One of the individuals we were supporting asked if she could give back by helping with the weekly treats we deliver to others. That person was Rhonda.

At 73, Rhonda is someone whose presence fills a room—quick to laugh, generous with her time, and anchored by a gentle, steady spirit. She has spent her life finding ways to help others in her community, and even now, as she faces her own challenges, her first instinct is still to serve. What we discovered in Rhonda wasn’t just a volunteer; it was a person whose compassion continues to shine through every chapter of her story.

A Career of Service and Strength 

After her breast cancer diagnosis, Rhonda faced a mix of financial strain and health challenges that would have caused many to step back. Instead, she leaned into the resilience she learned from her family and redirected her life toward service. She began a career in education, spending 22 years as a secretary with Fort Worth ISD’s Adolescent Pregnancy Services—supporting pregnant and parenting students determined to finish school and shape their futures.

Rhonda quickly became more than an administrative presence. Many of the students she met were navigating complex family situations, something that weighed heavily on her heart. So she did what she always does: she showed up. She listened. She offered resources—conversations, scholarship opportunities, and even rides to medical appointments or childcare when that’s what it took.

Though she retired in 2021, the relationships she built never faded. Rhonda still keeps in touch with former colleagues and students, celebrating their milestones as if they were her own. “We had several that went all the way through, graduated from college, then became very successful,” she shared proudly. One student who once received a scholarship through her program even returned years later to serve on the scholarship board—a full-circle moment that reflects the ripple effect of her compassion.

Challenges after Retirement 

Rhonda’s retirement came much earlier than she planned. An injury forced her to leave the work she loved, and soon after, her vision began to decline—a change that made driving and working on a computer impossible.

For someone as naturally outgoing and independent as Rhonda, the shift was jarring. “It was hard because not only did I need the income, but it was just about being out,” she shared. Tasks that had once been simple—traveling across town, keeping up her home—grew difficult without support. Now, she leaves the house only every few weeks, mostly because she no longer feels safe crossing busy streets on her own.

One of the biggest challenges has been learning to rely on others. “When you have to depend on people, you find out who you can depend on and who you really can’t,” Rhonda reflected. Over time, she has learned to release the frustration that comes with unmet expectations and instead stay grounded in gratitude for the people who do show up with sincerity and care.

Finding Connection Through Project 4031 

Amid the challenges and isolation Rhonda faced in retirement, one bright spot arrived in the form of Cheryl. What began as a professional relationship quickly became something deeper. To Rhonda, Cheryl is more than a social worker—she is a trusted friend, someone she felt connected to from the very beginning.

Cheryl’s regular visits offered comfort, but she also sensed that Rhonda needed a wider circle—a community that could show up for her in meaningful ways. That’s when she introduced her to Project 4031.

Not long after, a Project 4031 volunteer arrived at Rhonda’s door with a welcome box filled with everyday essentials—items like toilet paper, detergent, and toothpaste. The gesture caught her completely off guard. “It had things you’d look at and say, ‘Wow, how nice.’ Things you really need,” Rhonda recalled with a smile. “I was just blown away.”

Since then, our weekly Wings deliveries have become a highlight of Rhonda’s week. Volunteers like John and Linda bring flowers, cookies, and handmade treats—but what matters most is the companionship. They take time to sit with her, share stories, and simply be present. “It gives me something to look forward to,” she said. Over time, those small weekly visits blossomed into genuine friendship.

Rhonda especially cherishes the little surprises. She still remembers a week when volunteers brought chocolate chip cookies and brownies. “I kept it. It lasted real long,” she laughed. “I take itty bitty bites.”

Last year, when a hailstorm left her with a damaged roof and a shocking $600 electricity bill due to lost insulation, Project 4031 stepped in again—this time to help cover the cost and keep her comfortable in her own home.

Spreading Love Through Contributions 

Recently, Rhonda surprised the Project 4031 team with a question none of us expected. After one of her regular Wings deliveries, she looked at a volunteer and asked:

“Do y’all ever need any help or anything?”

Despite the challenges with her vision, Rhonda wanted to contribute. She offered to make crafts for other patients receiving Wings deliveries. “I would love to do something,” she said. “It may take me a little while, but I’ve got time.”

Even before that moment, Rhonda had been quietly helping—washing and returning the flower vases we dropped off and saving small items she thought she could turn into something meaningful. She began noticing inspiration in everyday objects and was eager to channel her creativity into projects that could brighten someone else’s day.

Her idea soon took shape. Each week, volunteers now bring her craft supplies and pick up the creations she’s finished.

In many ways, this is the Project 4031 mission coming full circle: someone who once received support is now offering that same care to others walking a similar path. Rhonda gives not because she has to, but because it’s who she is—and her generosity reminds us that everyone has something meaningful to offer, no matter the season they’re in.

Faith in Adversity 

Faith has always been a grounding force in Rhonda’s life. Raised in a deeply religious family, her beliefs have evolved over time into something more personal—spiritual, independent, and wholly her own.

Her home reflects that journey. Angel wings, crosses, and Madonna figures sit side by side, a “quirky” blend of symbols that bring her comfort and remind her of the threads of connection she sees across different faith traditions.

For Rhonda, the hardships she has faced are not signs of defeat but moments that test and strengthen her resilience. “I know God won’t give me anything I can’t handle,” she said, a mindset that has helped carry her through some of her darkest chapters. She credits that faith with helping her endure—and even overcome—her breast cancer.

“God and I talk a lot, and He’s helped me a lot,” she added with a smile. “I know He’s a busy guy, but at the same time, He hears your prayers.”

Carrying the Light Forward 

Rhonda’s life has been marked by hardship, but she sees her blessings just as clearly—her family, the steady support of her social worker, and the volunteers from Project 4031 who show up with care and consistency.

For her, Project 4031 has become more than a source of assistance. It has become a connection point—through deliveries, conversations, shared laughter, and small acts of kindness that remind her she is seen, valued, and never forgotten.

Rhonda’s story reflects the heart of Project 4031: a community committed to walking alongside those facing profound challenges, offering moments of joy, dignity, and presence when they matter most. Her resilience and quiet generosity remind us that purpose doesn’t disappear with age, retirement, or illness. There is always room to give, to create, and to shine.

Author's Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read Rhonda’s story. Sharing her journey has been a reminder of the quiet strength that so many of our patients carry, and of the simple ways compassion can ripple outward. Stories like hers fuel our commitment to ensuring that no one walks through the end-of-life journey alone. It is an honor to witness and support lives filled with courage, hope, and grace.