When Helen retired to Tucson, AZ, she was looking forward to the dry air and warm weather, two conditions that make her pulmonary hypertension (PH) more manageable. PH is a condition of the lungs and heart that causes shortness of breath, dizziness, and for Helen, embolic hypertension clotting disorder, which causes blood clots.
“I’ve got a great pulmonologist here in Tucson,” she said. “He’s monitored and kept an eye on both my hypertension and PH.”
Helen’s pulmonologist prescribed an effective treatment that ensured her blood could flow freely; however, the cost was an issue. From 2013 until 2018, Helen was able to access her treatment with the assistance of different charities and manufacturer assistance programs. But when the assistance ended in winter 2018, the two were left to figure out how she would be able to continue treatment.
“I was down to a week’s worth of pills…my doctor was beside himself trying to get me this medication,” Helen said.
Helen’s pulmonologist delivered the difficult news: she would likely have to abandon her treatment for a different, less effective treatment. That’s when Helen got word that The Assistance Fund (TAF) had an open disease program.
“I got on right away; it was so pleasant,” Helen said. “Thank God I got connected to TAF.”
Within minutes of applying, she was accepted and approved for TAF’s Pulmonary Hypertension Copay Assistance Program. Now, Helen and her doctor could make sure she received the most effective treatment for her condition.
“The form was so easy; I was so happy,” she said. “I couldn’t believe how great your organization is.”
Upon learning about TAF’s streamlined Reenrollment process for the next calendar year, Helen felt a sense of relief.
“When you have to go through so many forms and paperwork just to get in, then start worrying about the next year halfway through, it’s not easy,” Helen said. “TAF’s Patient Advocates made reenrolling so efficient!”
Helen had hoped to entertain company over the summer, but the pandemic put a halt to those plans. COVID-19 restrictions meant her son and grandchildren couldn’t travel outside of Maryland. Instead of visitors, she relies on video chats for major events like seeing her oldest grandson before he departs for college.
“I’m thankful that I’m healthy and able to go on walks,” Helen said. “I think of all of those in healthcare who work so hard.”
In previous years, Helen had begun worrying as early as July about what would happen if she wasn’t accepted for another year of assistance. The stress of having to search for assistance all over again prevented her from living a full life. This year is different.
“With TAF, I feel safe,” Helen said.
