Georgia grandmother battling stage 4 breast cancer faces homelessness while caring for her family

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HINESVILLE, Ga. — Iris Smith, a 55-year-old grandmother from Hinesville, Georgia, is fighting stage 4 metastatic breast cancer while facing homelessness. Diagnosed earlier this year, Smith was forced to quit her job and now struggles to support her disabled daughter and two grandchildren without steady income.

“I’ve worked hard my whole life,” Smith told WTOC. “But this year, everything changed.”

Georgia grandmother battling cancer while facing homelessness

After collapsing at work from exhaustion, doctors discovered her cancer had spread to her liver and lungs. She began treatment immediately, but the illness left her unable to work. Her disability benefits won’t begin until January, leaving her family in crisis.

Smith, recently evicted, now relies on temporary shelter and community support. Her savings are gone, and she’s doing everything she can to keep her family together.

“It’s been quite scary at times,” she said. “Thinking of my grandchildren makes me stronger. I’m doing this not just for myself, but for them.”

GoFundMe campaign created for support

Her niece, Shanta Noel, a social worker, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help. Noel said Smith’s story challenges stereotypes about homelessness.

“Sometimes it’s a person who’s trying to make all the right choices,” Noel said. “And these unfortunate things still end up happening to them.”

Smith’s situation has sparked local awareness. Community members are rallying around her. Services like Another Chance Ministries have helped her with food, while agencies with the city have helped provide temporary relief.

Despite her diagnosis, Smith remains hopeful. “I believe in pushing forward,” she said. “I’m not giving up.”

To learn more or donate, visit the official GoFundMe page here.