Let's Bless Julie

In August 2017, Julie became the member of a club that she never anticipating joining, the Pink Ribbon Club, when she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. Her treatment plan included surgery in October, followed by the first round of chemotherapy that began in November (4 infusions bi-weekly). In January 2018, her second round of chemotherapy will consist of 12 weekly infusions. Next spring, she will have 5 to 6 weeks of radiation for 5 days a week at a cancer center, which is a 63-mile journey round trip.

Here is the good news: Julie’s PET scan came back clear and the cancer has not spread, her genetic testing came back clear, she can do her online teaching job from home, and she has health insurance.

Here is the not-so-good news: As is the norm for health insurance, Julie has an out of pocket maximum each calendar year. Julie has already paid that amount for her treatment this fall. More bills, however, will start coming in again the first week of January 2018. Plus, there are additional expenses beyond the medical bills, which include post-surgery supplies, special dietary needs during chemotherapy, and gas money.

Julie is grateful to be surrounded by a great team of oncologists and surgeons as well as family, friends, and colleagues who are on the journey with her as she’s treated for cancer. Teachers in Arizona are on the bottom of the national pay scale for educators, so if you feel led, please consider making a contribution to help Julie meet her medical bills in 2018. Let’s bless Julie!