Cathy and Eddie Haynes – The Power of Care During Crisis

📸 Photos © Cathy Haynes: Eddie and Cathy seated together, their dog’s head resting on his shoulder; the OUPES 1200W power station discreetly powering Eddie's lift chair.

In the quiet corners of South Carolina, Cathy and Eddie Haynes have been fighting a battle far from ordinary. Eddie, once the provider and protector of his family, now relies on Cathy’s care after being diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. His struggle, however, is not just against the disease—it’s against the vulnerability of losing essential power during a time when survival itself depends on it.

The Unseen Burden of Cancer

In 2013, Eddie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite enduring intense radiation and chemotherapy, his fight was far from over. In 2021, cancer returned—this time, metastatic and ruthless. It attacked his bones, neck, spine, and brain, robbing him of his strength, mobility, and comfort. Eddie’s neck is now permanently bent, leaving him reliant on a motorized lift chair to even get out of bed.

But the physical challenges were just one part of the struggle. As his condition worsened, Eddie’s body became fragile—too cold without a heated blanket, too weak to stand or move on his own. The chemotherapy caused severe muscle wasting, leaving him vulnerable to even the slightest physical challenge. The hardest part? Cathy could do little to change the reality of their situation—until the power went out one summer day.

A Power Outage with Dire Consequences

That fateful day, Cathy found herself alone with Eddie when the power suddenly went out. As Eddie remained stuck in his lift chair, Cathy realized the gravity of the situation. Not only would she have to physically assist Eddie, but she also had no way to keep his refrigerated medication cold, let alone keep him comfortable in the cold.

The fear of prolonged outages, without any backup plan, led Cathy to search for a solution. What could help her power Eddie’s chair, his fridge, and keep him warm during those moments when the grid fails? The answer seemed simple: a solar-powered generator.

But for Cathy, the road was not so simple. They had no extra savings, no family nearby to lean on, and the mounting medical bills were already threatening to overwhelm them. Yet, the search for a solar generator became a turning point—one that led Cathy to the OUPES Help program.

Finding Hope Through OUPES HELP

Through the OUPES Help program, Cathy and Eddie received an OUPES 1200 solar generator kit to support their power needs. It wasn’t just a piece of equipment—it was their new lifeline. Finally, they had a way to keep Eddie’s lift chair powered, his fridge running, and even provide some comfort on those cold nights with the heated blanket.

Eddie, in one of his videos, proudly demonstrated how the OUPES Power Station was seamlessly connected to his lift chair, allowing him to get up and down without the fear of power loss. For Cathy, this moment was transformative. The simple act of Eddie using the lift chair with the OUPES power station provided not only physical independence but also a sense of security that had been missing for so long.

Beyond the Power of OUPES Power Station – The Power of Support

For Cathy, the OUPES solar generator was more than just a solution—it was a gift of peace of mind, allowing her to focus on what mattered most: her husband. "It’s not just about the power," Cathy explained. "It’s about having one less thing to worry about. We can focus on creating memories, not on whether we can get through the next power outage."

Despite all the challenges, Cathy remains Eddie’s primary caregiver. She spends her days ensuring his comfort and managing his medical needs. But with the support from OUPES, she no longer has to do it alone. They now have reliable power when it’s most critical, and a sense of normalcy that was once slipping away.

A New Chapter, Powered by OUPES Community

With OUPES Help, Cathy and Eddie’s lives have shifted from uncertainty to stability. But their journey is a testament to the strength of the community. The support of the OUPES community has provided not just a generator, but a foundation of hope for Cathy and Eddie. And as they look toward the future, they know they’re not alone.

"We feel incredibly blessed," Cathy shared. "This isn't just about the generator; it’s about knowing there are people who care." When Hurricane Helene slammed into the Gulf Coast in September 2024, Cathy and Eddie faced their greatest challenge yet. Cathy later sent us a video, sharing how they managed to get through Hurricane Helene. 

Help Us Power More Families Like Cathy and Eddie’s

The OUPES Help program exists to make a difference in the lives of families like Cathy and Eddie. With your support, we can continue providing solar-powered solutions to families in crisis. Join us today and help power more stories of resilience and care.

At OUPES Help, we don’t just donate products—we defend humanity’s fragile edges against darkness.