Support Linda's Battle Against Cancer and Vision Loss

My name is Linda Cathcart, I am a 74 year unemployed Senior Citizen. I have not been able to work since December 2022 due to a diagnosis of Stage 4 Breast Cancer as well as cancer remaining in my kidney after removing 40% of it and cancer in my lymph nodes . I am currently in need of Femto Laser Eye Surgery as soon as possible. I had Lasik Eye Surgery in 2003 which has had long term lasting negative effects on my Corneas. I have Aetna Medicare Select (HMO-POB) Network Insurance but Aetna will not cover this surgery because insurance companies consider all Laser surgery as being Elective Surgery. I currently take several medications for the cancer as well as medication for Type 2 Diabetes. The surgery will take place at Northern Virginia Eye Surgery Center 2710 Prosperity Ave, Suite 150 Fairfax, VA 22031 once I have the money to cover the costs which I have listed below:

Cost of Surgery:

Doctor Fee: $3,400

Facility Fee/Co-Pay: $374.00

Anesthesia Fee: Billed after Surgery Estimate $300.00 - $600.00

Follow up treatment: Unknown at this time

Medication: Cost Unknown at this time.

Dr. Ivan Aksentijevich, my Oncologist, has informed me that my visits and blood work are now scheduled every 3 months. He informed me I will no longer need to take the Verzenio (one of the medications I'm taking for the cancer) for the rest of my life, just 2 years. The next visit is scheduled for October 30, 2025 which will have a co-pay of $40,000. I just completed 1 year of treatment and medication and should complete the 2nd year around June 2026. This means I will be able to go back to work because I will no longer have the morning 2 hours of nausea and exhaustion from the medication.

All of these necessary treatments have put me in a very scary place financially. The scans alone have co-pays of $250 - $300 out of pocket. Dr. Weintritt, a Cancer specialist was able to perform an operation to remove my lymph nodes. That surgery cost $325.00 with my co-pay. The co-pays for regular visits and Chemotherapy have risen since 2022 where they started at $30, then rose to $35.00 in 2023 - 24, and now $40.00 in 2025. I have put most of these on my credit card which I owe $8,500.00 on currently. In 2023 I applied for Hardship Consideration with Virginia Cancer Specialist. They fortunately picked up co-pays for 1 year but that has unfortunately expired. Family members and friends have helped financially when they are able but I still need further assistance.

Any amount of financial assistance you may be able to contribute to help me with my eyes, cancer, and living expenses is desperately needed would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and God bless.