KANNAPOLIS — Twila Oldham never thought for minute she would spend her twilight years battling cancer and struggling to keep a roof over her head.

In early February, she came home from the hospital. Her joy was quickly replaced by grief.

Her bedridden husband, Robert, died an hour after she got home.

In the ensuing months, she returned to NorthEast Medical Center for two operations and dozens of radiation treatments.

Weakened by the operations and radiation, she has had to deal with mounting bills and reduced income.

For the past several months, one of the brightest spots in her routine is the weekly visit to her small white frame house on Horton Avenue by the Rev. J.B. Hawkins who operates the Salvation Center.

He brings fresh produce and bread, all donated by area businesses.

On Monday, she was one of more than 75 area residents getting a special Thanksgiving basket from the Salvation Center, complete with turkey, fresh fruit, nuts and other treats.

She has known Hawkins for several years since he opened his ministry in nearby Midway.

“The good Lord is looking after me,” Oldham tells Hawkins, thanking him for being God’s servant.

As Hawkins talks with her, he inquires about her disabled son, who lives with her. He asks if she needs reading material.

Looking at the gas stove she depends on for heat, Hawkins asks about her arrangements for winter heat.

“The house’s isn’t insulated. It’s cold,” she said, adding quickly that she’s not complaining. “It may not be much. I’m thankful to have a roof over my head.”

A pan of water is boiling on top the stove.

Radiation treatment has left her sensitive to the cold. She keeps her chair near the heater.

She hopes to get some help with paying the gas bill; she’s filled out paperwork.

Motioning toward a table with her open Bible, she tells Hawkins, “The good Lord makes a way.”

She spends most of her days at home, reading, trying to do housework, cooking and freezing any excess fresh vegetables.

Most of her trips away from home are worked around visits to the doctor or hospital. She also has problems with diabetes and a heart condition.

She laments that she never learned to drive. With no family in the area to call on, she spends more than $100 a month for taxis.

Her landlord has been understanding and kept rent low.

Oldham is one of many elderly folks on fixed incomes who get help from Hawkins.

While many qualify for some government assistance, they still struggle to survive. Others don’t qualify, even on fixed incomes.

Oldham qualifies for $10 monthly in food stamps. Though it’s not much, she uses it for “ a can of coffee, a can of oil and maybe a dozen eggs.”

Her most reliable source of eggs is the Hawkins family chickens. Hawkins’ wife, Amber, makes sure Oldham gets eggs when the chickens are laying.

Whenever possible Oldham attends church at Calvary Assembly of God on nearby Centergrove Road. She says folks at the church have been a big help.

Despite losing her husband, and her battle with cancer, Oldham is looking forward to the holiday season and the new year.