Schaumburg, IL

When Sarah was diagnosed with a rare cancer that forms tumors on bone, her life was upended. A tumor on her pelvis forced her to take unpaid leave under FMLA.

It protected her health insurance but left her without income.

As treatment went beyond 12 weeks, her employer chose not to extend FMLA, and Sarah was let go from her job. She applied for unemployment, but because she was not able to work due to illness, she was deemed ineligible.

Over time, her condition worsened. Her diagnosis evolved to multiple myeloma and later she developed POEMS syndrome, a rare and complex disorder with symptoms including severe neuropathy.

After a year without income, the combination of medical and living expenses were overwhelming. Bills piled up, and her situation became unbearable.

Asking for help was difficult for Sarah. Family and friends were there for her, but the financial burden grew worse as her treatments became more frequent and intense.

Providing A Lifeline

When it came time for a stem cell transplant, the treatment she urgently needed to save her life, we stepped in to provide critical financial support. This lifeline allowed her to move forward with treatment.

Sarah was immensely grateful. “Thank you so much for granting me assistance. It should cover most of the hotel bill from my stem cell collection, and allow me to get some happy food to eat while holed up in my room for the next few weeks.”

Her stem cell transplant was a success! Although her journey isn’t over, we are hopeful for a full recovery and proud to have helped her gain a 2nd chance.

Your support makes a story like Sarah’s possible. Every contribution, no matter how its size, is a lifeline for a patient facing the unimaginable challenges of cancer.

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Thanks for reading.

Written by: Bret Itskowitch