Our niece, Kari da Costa (age 40) loving wife and mother of two beautiful children (age 5 & 7) is battling stage IV colon cancer that has spread to her liver and lungs. We're reaching out to you, our family, friends and community for help.
At the end of July 2020, at the age of 39, she had her annual physical which had already been delayed due to Covid. At that time, her Hemoglobin was low and she was told to start iron pills and get rechecked in 3-6 months. Four weeks later she began having some intermittent right sided pain by her ribs. Ultrasound, bloodwork and testing confirmed colon cancer and substantial metastases to her liver along with a couple spots on her lungs. She began chemotherapy immediately after this diagnosis.
After three months of systemic chemotherapy, Kari met with a local surgical oncologist and after reviewing her scans, he referred her immediately to Duke University Hospital in North Carolina (a 10-hour drive one way). The purpose of this referral was for a surgically implanted HAI chemo pump that delivers a high dose of chemotherapy directly to the liver. The medical Oncologist at Duke discussed the meds that would be injected into the pump on a bi-weekly basis. This procedure and its treatments are only available at very few hospitals worldwide, thus necessitating ongoing travel to North Carolina for care.
As you can imagine, medical costs for this treatment are very expensive and the insurance coverage for this care is classified as Tier 2, which results in lower coverage. Additionally, Tier 2 coverage does not have a maximum out of pocket annual limit as her “in-network” Tier 1 coverage offers. In addition to the high medical costs are the expenses related to travel, which include air fare, ground transportation, hotel, food and other necessities. These financial challenges only add a burden at a time when it is hardly conceivable to have any additional worry.
Kari remains incredibly strong and optimistic through her treatments. Although she is often tired, sore and sick the first few days after receiving treatment, she continues to home school her children and take them on adventures for them to experience life!
As you can imagine, this is a very trying and emotional time for the da Costa’s. Kari and her family need our help and support. Please take the time to support Kari and her family - both with a donation and a prayer.
If you're able to, any donation of any amount is greatly appreciated. If you're not able to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser link and keeping them in prayer goes a long way too!
Thank you for your consideration and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
Scot and Lisa Bentley