Help Gail Rice Rebuild & Rebound.

Lou W, Scribe for Gail's team.

This is a letter from friends of Gail who want to let others know that she could use some help. We would respectfully ask you to consider if you are able in some way to help.

Diagnosed in April 2016 with stage 4 endometrial cancer, Gail had surgery in Austin in June followed by 6 high-dose chemotherapy treatments that ended in October. The conventional treatment protocol next prescribed extensive radiation – without any prior testing to determine how effective the chemo had been. Faced with the risk of radiation’s potentially serious side-effects, including other cancers, Gail began looking for alternatives.

Extensive, careful searching introduced her to innovative treatments created and refined in clinics outside the mainstream in the U.S. One such clinic is Envita Medical Center in Arizona which has a 16-year history of identifying the causes of individuals’ cancers and targeting therapies to those causes. Doctors who started this center understood early on the pivotal role of a strong immune system in fighting cancer. Genomic testing, liquid biopsies and other progressive diagnostic techniques enabled more precisely targeted treatment. Patients given little or no help elsewhere came here and lived.

That is the great good news. But the hard reality is that Medicare does not cover these treatments. Healing beckons. Bankruptcy looms.

Unlikely to find a more compelling use for her savings, Gail decided to go to Envita for an initial array of blood tests to learn the status of her cancer and what specific treatments would be recommended.

The tests identified agents most effective against her cancer. A genetic mutation, a dormant infection and a virus suppressing her immune system were also found. Here was detailed, specific information, clearly presented. Gail was given a cost estimate of $10,700 per week for a recommended 8 weeks of treatment. With savings that could be stretched to cover 6 weeks, she decided to go as far as she could. Gail completed 6 weeks at Envita.

The quality of care was superb. Monday through Friday she received therapies including an array of immunity-building substances in concentrated form given intravenously. Twice weekly for three weeks she received genetically-focused, low-dose chemotherapy. Considering the thorough, intensive quality of the regimen, its cost is not excessive. But even with an abbreviated program, all of Gail’s savings were invested in what she believes to be life-saving and sustaining practices. This leaves her without resources beyond Social Security to manage follow-up care and future needs.

We are sending this appeal to friends and colleagues of Gail who have appreciated her professional and caring service over many years, her generosity of heart and love of life, and her unfailing commitment to those in difficult circumstances. If you are able, please help Gail to rebuild some financial security as she progresses toward recovery from this devastating threat to her health.

Gail’s commitment is
- To share her experience at this remarkable place of healing with any who have interest
- To celebrate her 80th in ten years with all of her friends
- To find ways to give back with joy, in deep gratitude.

If you are able to join our effort, you may contribute here.

Or you may send a check made to Gail Rice, noting the account number (#1196809) on your check, directly to
PECU
(Public Employees Credit Union)
POB 2205
Austin, TX 78768.

 Thanks for your consideration.

Lou Wetherbee, for Team Gail