JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — Across the nation, countless families face the daunting reality of cancer. For the Malin family of Jacksonville Beach, this struggle became personal when they received life-altering news. Instead of succumbing to despair, they saw an opportunity to extend a helping hand to others grappling not only with the illness but also the financial strain it can bring.

More than a decade ago, Ed Malin’s world shifted when his wife, Kristan, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The memory of that day remains vivid and poignant for Ed. “I’ll never forget the day,” he shared, visibly moved. “When you get that phone call from your wife, it’s a conversation you’ll never forget.”

Faced with one of life’s toughest challenges, the Malins were inspired to turn their experience into a force for good. They devised a plan to support other families facing similar battles, providing much-needed assistance to those fighting breast cancer.

While going through one of the toughest times of their lives, the Malins devised an idea to help other people fighting breast cancer.

“We met a lot of different people in clinics and doctors’ offices and hospitals,” said Malin. “We had good insurance but you meet people who don’t and we wanted to create a foundation to help those people pay their bills.”

That’s exactly what they did. Seven years ago, they started the Two Titmice Foundation, which gives breast cancer patients non-medical financial support, whether it’s paying a light bill, their mortgage or buying their family groceries.

“We decided we wanted to do direct financial help for those patients when they could not work because they were debilitated with radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, cancer itself,” said Malin. “We wanted to take the bills that piled up on the dining room table, the mortgage, the rent, the water bill, the electric bill, the car bill, car insurance bill.”

Ed says, during a time when you’re just trying to survive, having someone be able to take away the burden of paying the bills can make all the difference in the world. 

Most of the people they help are local to the Jacksonville area. They come recommended by patient advocates at hospitals like the Mayo Clinic and Baptist Health. 

“We’ll help our 100th patient probably next year,” said Malin. “We’ve had some patients that have come back to use with reoccurrences and we’re helping two of those currently.”

90% of the funds the organization brings in go to providing someone with financial assistance. The organization has two events coming up this week; The first is the 5th annual Breast Event Ever on Thursday, Oct. 16 at RP’s Fine Food and Drink in Jacksonville Beach, then on Saturday, Oct. 18, they’re hosting the Stryde Social and Angie’s Sub’s Wellness for Two Titmice with yoga, Pilates and more.