Cancer and Heart Recovery: Keith Brad and Barbara's Story

We need help. Brad and I have only our Social Security for our income. Asking for help is very humbling.

We have been married since April 2012.

I'm 73 and Keith Brad is 74.

Fortunately, we have my Retiree Medicare Advantage insurance from AT&T. That helps.

In Feb 2023, I found out I had left breast cancer and a 95% blocked heart artery. I then had a stroke of the left hippocampus in my brain. I had a lumpectomy, 12 chemotherapy treatments, and 20 radiation treatments. I have type 2 diabetes.

I have excellent doctors! The breast cancer is in remission.

On January 8th, 2025, my cardiologists felt I needed another heart scan. While on the table, my heart went into Ventricular Tachycardia and stopped. My two cardiologists and wonderful heart team used the paddles to restart my heart. I now have two heart stents.

My husband, Brad, was diagnosed with malignant bladder cancer last week. The tumor was removed and we're waiting for the biopsies to set up his treatment plan.

My 20-year-old car died. We used the remainder of Brad's retirement to buy a used car.

Neither of our health conditions are good enough to work or we would.

Our health insurance has high copays.

We do own our house but the utilities and other expenses eat up our Social Security.

I feel so sad to have to ask for help. We have always been happy to help others in need.

Now we have to ask.

Please.