Cancer Resources for Elkhart County

Jason Hopper

Jason Hopper had a lump on his neck which turned out to be CLL (Chronic Leukemia Lymphoma). Fortunately, the treatment for this cancer is very successful. Although Jason had a job when he was diagnosed, he did not have health insurance. By November 2017, Jason had three rounds of chemotherapy, so his cumulative bill was probably around $75,000. He signed up for an individual health insurance plan which would not take effect until January 2018. The package had a $6000 per year premium and the $6900 deductible.

Jason was extremely happy for Cancer Resources’ planning process.  During that process, CR’s staff advised Jason to contact his doctor to delay the third week of December chemotherapy infusion until January when he would have insurance coverage. CR also informed Jason that in 2019, he would be eligible for health insurance through his wife’s employer, which would save him $2000 per year premium and almost $3000 per year in deductible costs.

Your donations will help Jason pay the nearly $80,000 that he will open treatment bills.

Angie Roll

Angie Roll’s family has had a long history with cancer, so she began regular mammograms at age 20 years ago. At the end of 2016, her regular mammogram detected what would be diagnosed as breast cancer. Surgery found two other spots, so the surgeon opted for a full mastectomy. However, since the tumors were stage I and there was no evidence of spread, Angie will not have to take chemotherapy or radiation.

However, her maximum out-of-pocket cost is $6,700, which she will reach for the next 4 to 5 years due to regular testing after a cancer diagnosis. Angie’s 9 and 13-year-old girls were scared after their moms surgery, but are thankful that she will make a full recovery. Angie’s 9-year-old loves art and her 13-year-old loves gymnastics.  Angie says that she is thankful to be able to take part in her daughters’ projects and sports in the coming year. Your donations will reimburse Angie for treatment costs which she will use for regular living expenses to cover the loss of income after her surgery.

Karyn Gingrich

Karyn Gingrich and her husband Kermit came to register because of her breast cancer diagnosis. Although she is working, her husband took early retirement.  Karyn has private insurance with a $6,400 per year deductible.  Her husband was very concerned that they were seeing the best doctor and getting his wife the best treatment.

He is understandably worried about his wife, so we took quite a bit of time talking about what is to come and helping answer his concerns. From that discussion, we created a list of several questions that they should pose to the oncologist. Kermit’s numerous concerns are proof positive that cancer diagnosis effects the whole family. The Gingrichs were very thankful for the planning process, and CR will probably help Karen with treatment costs.

Levi

Ann Burkey came to register her one year old, Levi. He has a soft tissue cancer related to a cyst that was in his lung. They’re not calling it lung cancer, the cancer was in the cyst lining. Ann says that Levi is doing well, and is actually a happy little guy. Ann is remarkably well composed, and says that she tends to be the strong one while her husband is more emotional. Ann is remarkably well educated about Levi’s conditions, and is able to handle his care quite well.

The insurance related to her husband’s new job has a $20,000 deductible, so they are purchasing COBRA through his former employer. The premiums are $1400 per month and the deductible is $8000 per year. They can continue to purchase this insurance as long as the former employer does not change products.  Ann has been touched by the number of people who seem to care about their family and provide food and support. Levi has some other health issues, but this family seems to be able to deal with his health problems and maintain a positive, nurturing home environment.