Fundraiser for Kathy Yates for Medical Bills

I'm raising funds to pay down medical debt for breast cancer treatment 7 years ago caused by 9/11.   Fortunately, my cancer has stayed in remission, but I’ve been paying down my medical debt since then.  This year was a set back because of the coronavirus and I wasn’t able to work.  The banks are ending my zero interest financing soon and they will finance at much higher interest rate because of their losses from the pandemic and this will cause my debt to balloon, without an opportunity to work until the pandemic recedes.  

When 9/11 occurred, I worked in a tower 12 blocks from the World Trade Center.  The entire Wall Street area was covered in ash, smoke and toxic pollution and the fires burned at ground zero for 100 days, emitting dangerous toxins into the air.  Everyone in the area was exposed to a toxic environment, but the EPA repeatedly claimed it was safe.  Many of us developed serious medical issues, some immediate and some over time.   The EPA finally stopped denying that it had been a dangerous environment all along. 

I was diagnosed with a rare type of breast cancer.   Before this, I was an avid health enthusiast in excellent health with every annual checkup.  The World Trade Center Health Program coordinated the medical issues and care of people living or working in the area, and those involved in the rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts at ground zero.  Their board of doctors thoroughly reviewed my case and certified that my cancer was a result of the toxic environment. 

During nine months on medical leave, I had two surgeries, 6 months of chemotherapy, and a month of radiation treatment.  My disability payments ran out before my medical treatment ended and my job salary wasn’t covered after that.  Even with medical insurance, I still incurred many medical copays and bills for the treatment, as well as lost income, resulting in thousands of dollars of debt.  

I would appreciate any contributions to help pay off this medical debt and also if you would share my fundraiser with any friends who might be interested in helping.