Betsy Simpson's story

Betsy Simmons
Betsy Simpson

When the symptoms Betsy Simpson thought were just another urinary tract infection revealed endometrial cancer, she headed straight for the excellent care of Baptist Hospital...and fell through the cracks. “I thought I had good insurance, but I found out it wasn’t going to cover anything,” she explained. “I almost delayed surgery because I was going to turn 65 in six months and Medicare would kick in. I thought I should wait till then but my niece, a nurse, said no, we shouldn’t wait, we’d figure something out.”

Widowed young and no stranger to challenges, Betsy did what came naturally. “When you get a cancer scare, you just do what you have to: I put it in His hands. I said, ‘Lord, you’ll get me through this.’” And the Lord did: The surgery was a success. But then, the cracks she’d fallen through got wider and deeper as the medical bills rolled in. “It was a big worry on my mind,” she said. “I didn’t know what I was going to do. I figured I’d have to take all my savings and pay it off. And then what? What would I live on?” She even considered coming out of retirement to go back to work even though she had debilitating arthritis. Again, she turned to prayer. “I thought, if the good Lord didn’t take me, then there was a reason. One way or another, it was going to get taken care of.”

Betsy and her sister Maggie
Betsy and sister Maggie

It was taken care of: Now, Betsy’s cancer-free–and worry-free. Thanks to the Mother’s Day Offering and NC Baptists, her hospital bills were paid. “Oh my goodness, it was such a relief,” she exclaimed. “I got that letter and started to cry. I can’t believe they did that for me. I can’t thank them enough. God’s love is always around us. This is love I can reach out and touch. I was surprised, but, then again, I wasn’t surprised because I know that Baptists are loving and giving people. If you can be that person too, that would be wonderful. It’s a gift.”

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” –John 13:34

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” –Hebrews 13:16