Single Mother Fighting Cancer with Two Children
Donation protected
Single Mother Fighting Breast Cancer with Two Children
This year has been crazy. Along came Covid, and then I was diagnosed with breast cancer in early June. First came shock, then concern, followed by many doctor appointments, further diagnostic appointments and, as quickly as Covid constraints would allow, a 6-month regimen of chemotherapy beginning on July 10th. While I am very thankful to have health insurance at all, there is only one option at my company, and it comes with a $5000 deductible that must be met before they pay anything. As the bills started coming in, I began whittling down what savings I had. After the insurance paid their part, I still owe my portion of one large bill in the amount of $3000 that I will have to pay to them in payments. The first series of chemo infusions was a strong combination of two medications, one of which is so strong that it can only be given to a person four times in their entire life. This limitation on dosage is because this particular chemo medication is hard on the heart and can cause long term damage in several areas of the body. While I am on FMLA, which protects my job, I am not covered by a short-term or long-term disability program. I am working from home as much as I can while dealing with multiple side effects and extreme fatigue. Chemotherapy treatments will take me up to the first week in December, followed by a month long break before surgery in early 2021. As we will be in the new calendar year, I will be responsible for covering another $5000 out-of-pocket deductible for my health insurance. I assume at least a portion of the surgery will have to be paid up front before they will schedule the procedure. On top of all of this I am responsible for my two wonderful children, one of whom is autistic. My reality is now keeping a roof over our heads while fighting this cancer. Anything will help and is sincerely appreciated.
This year has been crazy. Along came Covid, and then I was diagnosed with breast cancer in early June. First came shock, then concern, followed by many doctor appointments, further diagnostic appointments and, as quickly as Covid constraints would allow, a 6-month regimen of chemotherapy beginning on July 10th. While I am very thankful to have health insurance at all, there is only one option at my company, and it comes with a $5000 deductible that must be met before they pay anything. As the bills started coming in, I began whittling down what savings I had. After the insurance paid their part, I still owe my portion of one large bill in the amount of $3000 that I will have to pay to them in payments. The first series of chemo infusions was a strong combination of two medications, one of which is so strong that it can only be given to a person four times in their entire life. This limitation on dosage is because this particular chemo medication is hard on the heart and can cause long term damage in several areas of the body. While I am on FMLA, which protects my job, I am not covered by a short-term or long-term disability program. I am working from home as much as I can while dealing with multiple side effects and extreme fatigue. Chemotherapy treatments will take me up to the first week in December, followed by a month long break before surgery in early 2021. As we will be in the new calendar year, I will be responsible for covering another $5000 out-of-pocket deductible for my health insurance. I assume at least a portion of the surgery will have to be paid up front before they will schedule the procedure. On top of all of this I am responsible for my two wonderful children, one of whom is autistic. My reality is now keeping a roof over our heads while fighting this cancer. Anything will help and is sincerely appreciated.
Organizer
John Kerrigan
Organizer
McKinney, TX
