HAAM Member Spotlight: Ruth Carter

When longtime Austin songwriter, Ruth Carter, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago, she experienced a wide range of emotions.

“I was in a state of confused shock and panic,” Carter said. Carter turned to HAAM for help.

“I just showed up one day at the HAAM office,” said Carter. “I wasn’t looking for financial help, but I needed emotional support and guidance. I wanted to know how to navigate the system and maneuver all the tests and appointments I needed to schedule.”

HAAM health navigators provided Carter with both emotional comfort and practical support, helping her get her first CT scan approved and scheduled.

A week or two after meeting with HAAM, Carter met with surgical oncologist, Declan Flemming, MD, FACS, who shared the promising news that Carter’s cancer was treatable. During the appointment, the doctor surprised Carter by suggesting that they read aloud an Emily Dickinson poem about hope.

 “It was so beautiful and comforting. Even though I was in an emotional state, I was hopeful. He sent me off in the right direction,” Carter said.

Carter received chemotherapy during the pandemic putting her at high-risk for COVID complications. She rarely left her home except for medical appointments.  Today, Carter is cancer-free and has never been more grateful to live in a city that truly values and supports musicians.

“I never felt so lucky to be an Austinite knowing that there was a group like HAAM in town. That’s why my first instinct was to show up at their office. I was an emotional wreck, but I knew that if I went to HAAM and asked them questions that they would guide me in the right direction and they did.”