Hello, my name is Nina Lasant. The short version of my story is that I have been dealing with Bladder Cancer since 2023. I am retired and have been living on Social Security and my dwindling savings. A friend suggested I start a 'GoFundMe' to help with medical bills. It's been beyond challenging to try to focus on healing when I am so stressed about my financial situation.

I am saddened to be in this position and humbled to ask for help. Yet, here I am—reaching out. If you cannot offer financial assistance, I understand and am grateful for the goodwill of your heart.

I first noticed disturbing physical symptoms in the late summer of 2023. After multiple tests, procedures, and visits to different doctors, I was finally diagnosed with CIS—High Grade Urothelial Carcinoma in Situ, also called Malignant Neoplasm of Overlapping Sites of the Bladder—essentially, Bladder Cancer. My first surgery was May 1, 2024, after which I developed Acute Left-Sided Sciatica, which entailed Orthopedic intervention and Physical Therapy.

Following surgery, I was put on Immunotherapy for 6 weeks. This treatment failed, and I developed two more malignant lesions. A 2nd surgery was performed on September 8, 2024. I was released to my daughter’s home, since I couldn’t be alone after surgery, and for the next 2 days, was in agonizing pain. I went to the ER, where a CT scan with urography showed that my bladder had been accidentally perforated during the 2nd surgery. This required immediate emergency care and further hospitalization.

After two more procedures, I was finally discharged and put on Home Health Care. On an outpatient basis, I began an aggressive chemotherapy—“Doublet Chemotherapy”—which means I was given two chemotherapy medications each day, at a very high cost.

In the midst of dealing with cancer, surgeries, and treatment, my Medicare Advantage Plan was canceled. This was problematic and stressful as there were no Advantage Insurance Plans in my zip code that allowed me to continue my treatment at my Cancer Center.

My only option was to switch to a Medicare Supplement Plan. I had been paying $76.40 a month for my Medicare Advantage Plan, plus $20 co-payments. I spent over $2390 on copays. My new Supplemental Medicare plan costs $280.62/month, plus $23.20/month for the drug plan.

I have an outstanding Credit Card Balance of $4000 for medical and insurance payments I could not afford to pay for, and new bills keep coming in. I am presently using credit cards for future and ongoing medical bills and payments for my health insurance and drug plan.

My treatment plan right now requires monthly maintenance with chemotherapy, but costs could go up if my treatment plan changes. And I am scheduled for another procedure.

I’m asking for $4000 to cover my current medical debts and an additional $6000 to help with future monthly insurance payments, as well as help with my rent and daily living expenses, for a total of $10,000.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am grateful for any support you feel moved to offer, whether financial or just a kind thought or word.

I sincerely hope my message can reach those who have the power to make sure every American has the healthcare they need, that we do not remain under the whims of a failed and failing healthcare system. No one should have to beg for medical care. No one should have to choose between medicine and food. No one should die because they cannot afford life-saving drugs and medical care.

With love and gratitude,

Nina