MY JOURNEY WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

In 2016 I woke up with excruciating pain in my knees and swelling in my ankles. My knee caps felt as though they were going to pop off and my ankles were stiff from the severe swelling. As a professional ballerina, I was not inexperienced in soreness, stiffness and the occasional injury. But this was different. Deep down I knew that immediately, but I hoped and prayed that it would be gone the next day. It wasn't. 

Day after day the swelling just got worse. I knew I needed medical attention. After seeing 4 different doctors, I finally saw a Rheumatologist that was determined to help me find the cause. In addition to the joint pain and the swelling, I had some muscular pain that just seemed not to fit. I had so many different tests. Bloodwork, MRIs, Muscular testing, Nerve testing. Nothing seemed conclusive. After two years, a diagnosis was at hand - it was Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

I was 32 years old at the time. Very young to have RA. But my doctor assured me that catching it early and treating it effectively was best and might even allow me to one day be medication free. After trying more that 5 different medications, my insurance finally okayed my doctor to prescribe Cimzia, a biologic injectable medication. It was a life saver. 

No longer was I handicapped by my pain and swelling. No longer did I have to stay out of the ballet studio unable to dance because of the pain. I could move and live freely without pain or swelling. 

I wish that was the end of the story, but it's not. Insurance and pharmaceutical companies have made this a difficult road. While the drug company offers 'copay assistance' even the amount that you are given does not cover a full year's worth of medication. One month of medication before insurance is more than $10,000! That's for two doses. With insurance, one month supply is $4800. 

While copay assistance has helped in previous years, it has not been without frustration of running out of funds by the end of the year and having to switch to a different medication. Switching medication is not something that is best for your body and is scary as the patient because not only are you not sure that the new medication is going to work, but you are unsure if your body will respond the same way to your current medication when you go back to it. 

In 2021, my insurance provider decided that they would no longer apply the amount billed to my Cimzia copay card to my deductible or out of pocket max. I was not made aware of this when filling prescriptions. This made it even more difficult to remain on the medication. My card paid through April, but now I am forced to either pay $4800 out of pocket per month or switch to a different drug. I have tried every avenue to get help without success. I have tried appeals and foundations with no success.

I have been grateful to have had such success, FINALLY, with this medication. Not only does it allow for me to live and dance pain-free, but also is the only biologic that does not cross the placenta and has allowed me to remain on it while pregnant with my two children. 

Would you consider helping me pay for my Cimzia medication for this year? I need to raise $10,900 by August 1st to help cover the cost of my Cimzia medication for the rest or the year. Your generosity would help me to continue to live pain free, to care for & play with my children, to dance & to get out of bed each morning without debilitating pain. I am humbled by any contribution you might give.

Thank You from the bottom of my heart.

-Rachel

My ankles before treatment for RA

Dancing again after starting my Cimzia medication

My beautiful family & two children that were born healthy & happy while on Cimzia