Support for Bridget Polk

UPDATE:09/13/2022

Dear donors,

Bridget has now had two of the 6 chemo and 12 antibody treatments she has been prescribed. Unfortunately, the insurance situation here is abysmal, which has resulted in the generous donations to this campaign to be depleted completely. Also, her and Kitra's residency and subsequent access to the public healthcare system in Costa Rica are delayed indefinitely. Bridget and Kitra have no option but to return to Oregon where Kitra will return to work in order to obtain benefits that will allow Bridget to get the care she needs. The fact that she was able to get her surgery here so quickly and get started on her TCHP regemin is thanks to the success of this campaign. Her and Kitra's gratitude is immeasurable.

UPDATE

Hello everyone! I am happy to report that your quick and generous response to Bridget's need for funds has covered much of the expense of her surgery, first chemo treatment, and related expenses to date. Since the original posting, more has been learned about the type of cancer and the most appropriate course of treatment to prevent its spread or return. Stage 2A, HER2 positive, invasive ductal carcinoma sounds pretty scary, but the TCHP regimen of chemo and antibody treatment has a 90-95% success rate. Bridget is now under the care of THE top medical oncologist at a state-of-the-art oncology department at Hospital Metropolitano in San Jose. Her treatments take place every three weeks. Six rounds of Chemo and Antibody, followed by 12 rounds of Antibody only. Unfortunately, even after discounts, these treatments are going to have an out-of-pocket cost of approximately $16,000 each. When they chose Costa Rica for their (earlier than planned because COVID) retirement destination, affordability of the healthcare was a huge factor. Access to that affordable system has been delayed almost two years now (again, COVID). The insurance they have now will max out for the year after Bridget's next treatment.

The adjusted goal amount (from the original $18,000) reflects the expenses from diagnosis through the six rounds of chemo. The Anitbody treatments will be addressed later with another update. It is possible that the Residency process will move forward and Bridget's care will move to the public (and still excellent) system. Until then, your donations, your willingness to share this GoFundMe on your social media and/or directly with friends who may be able and willing to contribute, and your ideas about where we might find funds for Bridget's treatment are crucial. To those who have already contributed, please know how deeply appreciated and helpful your donations have been. We are not asking for repeat donations. Instead, please share the link and ask those you know who might have the means to help to consider doing so.

ORIGINAL POST:

This is Bridget Polk. You may know her. She and her wife, Kitra Biebighauser, have been very dear friends of mine for many years and now live in Costa Rica near me. Just over a week ago, Bridget was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am in awe how she is handling it with so much grace, dignity and strength! It's early and the healthcare here in Costa Rica is excellent, so we're confident that she will make a full recovery. Things are moving forward at an excellent, but somewhat staggering pace. Bridget is scheduled to have a bilateral mastectomy on Monday, July 4. Unfortunately, although this is the best and safest course to ensure there is no recurrence or new cancer, the removal of the "healthy" breast will not be covered by health insurance. Surgery and possible subsequent treatment will take place at the best hospital in the country located in San Jose, CR which is a 4-5 hour drive from where Bridget and Kitra live. Travel and lodging expenses added to the uncovered medical expenses are obviously beginning to overwhelm her and Kitra. Bridget is so precious to SO many so please contribute if you can. Please share the link in any case. Let's help facilitate an easeful journey to the best outcome possible.