Survivor Stories and Lives Touched by Without Limitz

Without Limitz provides assistance to meet aspirational goals of cancer survivors and previously provided financial hardship grants to cancer fighters and their families in times of need (the financial hardship program was temporary discontinued for restructuring purposes). If you would like more information on these company programs, please click here.

Below are some of the stories of cancer fighters and survivors that we have assisted...

Debbie and Bobby Winiarski of Houghton Lake, Michigan - Diagnosed with a Brain Tumor

"My husband has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and I quit my full time job to care for him resulting in a deteriorating family financial situation. I had contacted Without Limitz for help and they gladly assisted us by providing gas money so I could get my husband back and forth to his medical appointments. We live in a rural area, so travel to the medical appointments became very costly to us. I can never thank Without Limitz enough for helping in our time of need."

Sandra Steinbraker of Parrot, Georgia - Diagnosed with Stage III Cervical Cancer

"Brendan, I would like to thank you and Without Limitz for your kindness and all of your help. I would have lost my home if it had not been for organization. The other Patient Advocacy Foundation that I have dealt with in the two years preceding your assistance were only able to give me a single $150 gas card, leaving me unable to pay for my home, car, car insurance, and utility bills. Because of your help, I am out of that debt and am now able to focus on getting well. I cannot describe how grateful I am. God bless you and Without Limitz."

Laura Burnette of Houston, Texas - Diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer

"I was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer. The cost of treatment, along with other surmounting bills, such as utilities and transportation costs, put me in a very tough spot. Without Limitz paid my utility bills so they wouldn't disconnect my service. I am very thankful for the selflessness and generosity of Without Limitz and just wish there were more organizations out there driven to help like Without Limitz!"

Randall Miller and his sister, Mandy


Mandy resided in Buffalo, NY and initially went into the doctor in 2007, complaining of stomach pain and appearing somewhat jaundiced. The doctors found a pancreatic tumor which had spread rapidly, affecting her entire endocrine system. She recovered fairly well after the first surgery and her and her family felt she was well on the road to recovery, back to living a normal and healthy life. However, upon further analysis in 2008, the cancer returned and was present in her liver and she required a second surgery, which resulted in half of her liver being removed. Her recovery in 2008 has been volatile, but she became terminally ill in June 2008, after a bout with pneumonia. The doctors gave Mandy approximately 7 days to live. Randy, a Navy veteran and her brother currently residing near San Diego, CA, had urgency to see Mandy immediately and visit with her while she remained in this tumultuous state. Randy reached out, via a military veterans website (Together We Serve), for anyone who could assist in getting him out to NY to spend time with his sister, as he was struggling financially.

Scanning the military veterans website, Brendan Swan (Without Limitz founder, Navy veteran, and cancer survivor) found Randy's plea for help and was personally touched by his story. Without Limitz provided Randy with a plane ticket so he could be with his sister at her time of need, to provide comfort and support. According to Randy, when Mandy received the unexpected surprise of a visit from her brother "you should have seen her eyes light up". Our hope at Without Limitz is that this comfort provided Mandy with motivation and hope to know that the fight is never over and attitude truly is everything. And we are proud to say Mandy has defied the odds, surpassing the doctors initial estimate of 7 days.

Mandy passed away Sunday morning, 24 August 2008.

In Randy's own words "Without Limitz gave my sister and I the most precious gift, one that could never be repayed...HOPE. Brendan and Without Limitz are a blessing and it was an honor to serve along side of Brendan years ago".

Rest in peace, Mandy. Our organization is proud to have known you and your family. We are also proud to have assisted in providing some comfort and joy during what turned out to be your final months.