The challenges came one after another for Sheila, a 15-year veteran of the flooring industry who now works as a utility relief associate in a manufacturing plant. In 2024, she faced one of the toughest battles of her life—a lung cancer diagnosis that required surgery to remove part of her left lung. Most people would need years to recover, but Sheila barely had time to catch her breath before facing even more devastating challenges. Just months after her surgery, she suffered a heart attack, followed by a diagnosis of acute kidney injury. She now undergoes dialysis three times a week.

Astonishingly, these trials are only the latest chapters in Sheila’s story. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor, having bravely fought the disease in both 2009 and 2019. Through every diagnosis, every treatment, and every setback, Sheila has never given up. As medical bills mounted and daily living expenses became increasingly unmanageable, Sheila turned to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) for help. 

Thanks to generous donors, FCIF provided a six-month grant that covered her mortgage payments, monthly utilities, and medical bills—helping her maintain stability while focusing on recovery.

“At FCIF, we are committed to supporting flooring industry workers and their household family members as they navigate the challenges of a life-altering medical diagnosis,” said Brittany Almon, FCIF outreach manager. “We understand the emotional and financial toll it can take, which is why we are here to provide funding and support to flooring workers battling tough medical situations. FCIF is here to ease financial stress by covering critical expenses—basic needs and medical care—so our grantees can focus on healing and recovery.”

Sheila’s spirit remains unshaken. She is a fighter, a survivor, and a source of inspiration to all who know her. As she continues her courageous journey through unimaginable health challenges, your generosity can help ease the financial burdens of dozens of other flooring associates who need ongoing treatment and care.

Every donation is a message that says, “You’re not alone.”

Support Flooring Families Facing a Medical Crisis 

Every day, flooring professionals face serious illnesses, injuries, and disabilities that disrupt their lives and livelihoods. FCIF exists to ensure no one in the industry faces those battles alone. You can make a difference today:

1. Donate online: https://www.fcif.org/give 
2. Mail a check: FCIF, 855 Abutment Rd, STE 1, Dalton, GA 30721
3. Download our digital toolkit containing graphics, social media posts, and more at https://qrco.de/bfhlyT
4. Play, sponsor, or advertise in the Alan Greenberg Charity Golf Tournament hosted by CCA Global Partners on September 17 at Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville, GA: https://www.alangreenbergfcif.com/registration/ 

Since 1981, FCIF has provided financial assistance to flooring professionals battling catastrophic medical conditions. Whether it's helping a veteran installer with cancer, a showroom employee with a critical injury, or a sales rep with a long-term diagnosis, FCIF brings hope and help when it's needed most. Apply for assistance or donate to support flooring employees in need at fcif.org.