Path to Recovery: Our Medical Journey

My name is Rosemarie Imhoff, and I live in Silver Spring, MD. I want to tell you about one of the most fascinating people you will ever meet: an individual who is much stronger than she believes and has accomplished more than she can perceive: My daughter, Anisha; who has changed my life in so many ways.

Anisha is not my biological daughter; I adopted her from India. When she was three months old, she and three other babies were flown from India to the U.S. to meet their adoptive parents. She arrived in a basket she shared with another baby at the tail end of a hurricane.

In early childhood, Anisha proved adept at organizing and connecting socially with adults. She had no fear of introducing herself to others. These social skills continued and developed as she grew up. She had a knack for making things work, even when the situation seemed impossible.

As she has grown up, Anisha has taken on more challenges and been handed more obstacles. She surpassed many expectations when she obtained her undergraduate degree from a university out of state. Anisha began working and would have continued had the circumstances been better.

Since the summer of 2021, both of us have had healthcare complications. Still, Anisha manages our finances and affairs. Our money is combined to cover expenses. Every available cent covers healthcare expenses, either mine or hers. Every month, things are tight. There isn’t a month when we have enough money to cover the costs—even food at the end of the month is a real challenge.

She tirelessly advocates for me, always ensuring I get the best care. In September 2021, I had knee replacement surgery. Anisha managed the process from New Mexico, asking questions and ensuring I had everything I needed, from selecting the skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to paying the out-of-pocket cost for medical transportation (which tripled since COVID-19).

At the same time, my daughter has her healthcare needs to take care of. I often fear that she puts mine above hers. A new tumor was found in her body that, based on its size, most likely had been there for some time. Her treatment plan has been changed multiple times. Anisha ended up in the Emergency Room because of a doctor's error, because of a stomach ulcer that had ruptured from the stress, and many other things. She barely survived radiation treatment, requiring emergency surgery when the internal radiation seed inside her came loose and then was smashed. She’s had to endure all of this alone without any support system. It breaks my heart to see my daughter suffering so intensely, and I am unable to help her.

Anisha has been struggling for at least a few years. However, what was a struggle is turning into anxiety and panic. Specifically, her medical tests and procedure costs are becoming more than she can afford. Anisha does have insurance.

Anisha is very close to being able to start chemo. She must go through a 6-week medical cardiac endurance program to strengthen her heart first.

Her doctors also want her to lower her life's stress (I can imagine how hard she laughed at that) and have a more consistent, more nutritious diet.

A large amount of my daughter’s stress comes from bills: her healthcare bills, the monthly cost of my Medigap insurance, problems with the rent at my apartment, and now a possible price of fifty thousand dollars for the hip replacement that I need to get. – I will go without the new hip replacement. I want my daughter to recover, live the life she was meant to, and come back to me.

I appeal to everyone for your help. No amount is too small. Getting through this period is a nightmare for both of us. Knowing that you're there and helping makes a big difference, not only in paying the bills but also in reducing the stress of getting through this ordeal. It feels very hopeless for us sometimes - and I wish for nothing more than peace for my daughter. Being able to finish her cancer treatments and finally come home to me will go a long way to getting her (and me!) that peace. Please help if you can - we are forever grateful for your love and support!